October 2011 - Issue 87 - www.clareevans.co.uk

Hello ,

As we move into the last few months of the year, now is a great time to boost your efficiency to make sure you're making the most of your time.

So until the end of the month you an get 50% off a Time Audit Session.

Have you completed a Time Audit yet? It only takes a few minutes and it's a great way to check your current time habits and see where you can improve.

How you use your time affects every aspect of your life. There are only so many hours in the day and most us need a few more of them to get things done or to be able to focus on doing the things we enjoy.

Whatever your score, you're sure to highlight a few areas where you could make a change.

Return your completed Audit before the end of this month and as well as free email feedback you'll get 50% off a Time Audit Session.

Spend a few minutes today to gain an extra hour every day.

Look out for my Thought Leadership Live webcast next month on How To Create Boundaries To Save You Time and Money on the 3rd November.

Keep in touch and get extra news, offers, tips and info from my blog, on Twitter or connect with me on Facebook or Linked In 

Enjoy the rest of this month's newsletter.

Clare

P.S. Feel free to pass this newsletter on to friends and colleagues.  Thank you.

We're all different and we all have different ways of working. Some of you may feel you're a lost cause or that 'time management' just isn't for you but that's not the case.

There's no one time management methodology or system that's going to work for everyone but there are strategies that will work for you.

In working with clients over the years, I've come across several different time management styles. You may adopt different styles at home and work and you may have a couple of styles you fit into.

Here are a few key elements of the main time styles.

The Organiser
Always very organised and has neatly written plans and checklists.
- Buys their Christmas presents well in advance.
- Packs for their holiday the week before.
- Everything is neatly labelled and filed away.
- Always knows what they're doing and arrives on time.
- Organises everything like a military operation at home and work.

Needs: Allow for flexibility in your planning. Find time to relax. Create more balance in your life.


The Juggler
Usually juggling several tasks and projects at once.
- Flits from one task to the next without finishing one and moving on to the next.
- Lack of focus wastes a lot of time.
- Easily bored, so likes new challenges.
- Easily distracted by something else that needs doing or more interesting.
- Often turn up late as you try to fit in one last thing.

Needs: Focus on what's important, learn the art of planning and set time limits for tasks and better boundaries.


The Helper
Keen, capable and always eager to help.
- Often takes on too much.
- First to put your hand up or say 'yes' when asked to do something.
- Does a good job which is why you're always asked to do more.
- Involved with various groups, often on a voluntary basis.
- Always busy and constantly on the go at home and work.

Needs: Learn the importance of boundaries and when to say no. Allow time for yourself and create more balance.


The Perfectionist
Enjoys the detail and getting stuck in but not so good at the bigger picture.
- Spends a lot of time getting it 'just right'. Misses deadlines as a result.
- Writes detailed lists before even starting on a project.
- Hangs on to everything and has difficulty delegating.
- Expects the same high standards of everyone else.
- Unrealistic expectations of themselves and others.

Needs: look at priorities, be more realistic - understand the 80/20.


The Delayer
Leaves most things to the last minute but somehow usually manages to gets things done.
- Does their best work under pressure but finds it stressful.
- Often works late and and weekends to get things finished in time.
- Reacts to whatever is most urgent at the time.
- Unrealistic about how long something will take.
- Always turns up late or arrives at the last possible minute.

Needs: Plan and prioritise your workload to avoid last minute rushes and stress. Think ahead, set time limits, avoid distractions and interruptions.

Understanding your time style will help you identify your own strengths and challenges as that of others around you.

Working with your style, you'll be able to increase your efficiency and productivity, reduce your stress, get more done in less time and get where you want to be quicker and more easily.

What's your time management style and how does it affect the way you work?

Find out more about your style and how you can make the most of it.  Give me a call and book a free Strategy Session.

Until next month.