Time Management Skills | The Time Finder with Paula Eder

The Time Finder with Paula Eder

The way you use your time is the way you live your life.

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Find Time to Prepare for the “Expected” Unexpected: 3 Tips

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Paula, under Time Management Skills, Transitions and Time.

Finding time to deal with sudden change and the unexpected is a time management challenge that we all face from time to time.

But what about the “expected unexpected”? For example, here in New Hampshire, a wintry mix of snow, sleet and rain is predicted just about every day this week. Some days are expected to be messier than others … but we could have some wintry difficulties ahead, with all of their attendant tie challenges.

Or maybe not. Last week on the strength of the weather predictions many area superintendents closed the schools … only to have the storm wait until pretty much the end of the school day to arrive. The kids were happy, but a school day was lost.

So, what’s the best way to respond when disruption can be anticipated, but isn’t a sure thing? Here are 3 tips to consider:

First and foremost, put yourself into the mindset of acceptance. This doesn’t mean being passive. What it does mean is letting in the fact that “this could happen” and building from there. If you are in denial about the blizzard, it’s bound to disrupt things even more. Acceptance provides a base for moving forward as creatively and productively as possible. It also helps address the anxiety that the “expected unexpected” can produce.
Second, scan your upcoming schedule, prioritize, and develop contingency plans. Having accepted the possibilities ahead, you’ll be able to bring your most creative and proactive self to this challenge. You may find that you make unexpected, helpful discoveries as you do this. Maybe there are ways that you can streamline your schedule … even if the “expected unexpected” doesn’t materialize!
That being said, remember the NH school superintendents, and gather as much information as you can before making decisions. Strive to be agile and grounded in calm acceptance so that you don’t over-react to the possibilities. This can be a big challenge, though. So also be sure to forgive yourself if and when you guess wrong!

Being prepared for the expected unexpected is a challenge that we face with some frequency in our lives. How do you handle it? Drop me a line – I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up for your FREE Finding Time Success Kit. It puts 3 key tools for your time success right into your hands! Grab it and see how you can recharge your energy, reduce overwhelm and frustration, and come to learn that 24 hours really ARE enough!

Let’s explore time together …

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Find Time for Some Resolution Remedies from Solo-E this Cyber Monday!

Posted on February 1, 2010 by Paula, under Time Management Skills, Time and Technology.

This Cyber Monday I want to draw your attention to a very special offer from Solo-E that is available through Friday, February 5th!

Not familiar with Solo-E? Founded in 2003 by Terri Zwierzynski, Solo-E is a virtual learning resource (and vibrant community) for solo entrepreneurs!

They are hosting a one-of-a-kind event that couldn’t be more timely … the Post Resolution Hangover giveaway. This isn’t your typical giveaway … each item is a real product that you normally would have to pay to get. The value of each item is the price at which it sells today … and as you’ll see, there are some very valuable products available, both from a monetary and an information point of view!

The gifts include ebooks, audios, home-study packages and more. Here are just a few samples:

101 Ways to Attract Clients,
Create Your Second Life After 40,
The Social Media Content Creation Kit,
Building a Strong Brand in a Weak Economy,
How to Move Through Fear for More Money;
From Drab to Dynamic,
The Finding Time Quick-Start Guide (yes, that’s us), and lots more.

Here’s how it works:

Up until February 5th, you are invited to visit the Post Holiday Hangover Remedy Page and gain immediate access to these incredible resources to help cure your Resolution Hangover, provided exclusively by solo entrepreneur gurus including: Alicia Forest, Ann Ronan, Loren Fogelman, Tracey Lawton, Allison Babb, Tina Forsyth, Rebecca Zwar, Christine Gallagher, Lou Bortone, Heather Dominick, Laurie Weiss, Laurie Mandato, Zahra Efan, Hazel Palache, Laura West, Eva Gregory, Alicia Smith, Michele PW, Nina East and me!

When you go to the page, you’ll first see some additional free offers that you can sign up for. To receive any of those offers, you can select the ones of interest to you, and click “Submit.” Or, alternatively, if you want to go right to the Post Holiday Remedy page, bypassing these offers, just click on the “No Thanks” button and you’ll be taken straight to the download page…no strings!

The goal in the Post Resolution Hangover giveaway is to provide you value while supporting the growth of your business at the same time. The best part? Solo-E isn’t asking for anything in return — no email, no mailing address, nada. Just visit Post Holiday Hangover Remedy Page and download your gifts.

So join us, learn what the fuss is all about and at the same time gain immediate access to fantastic resources. Visit the Post Holiday Hangover Remedy Page – and please feel invited to drop me a line – I’d love to hear what gifts strike your fancy!

What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up for The Finding Time Success Kit. It’s FREE, and it provides you with key tools for your time success! Grab it and see how you can recharge your energy, reduce overwhelm and frustration, and come to learn that 24 hours really ARE enough!

Let’s explore time together …

Find Time to Overcome Writer’s Block

Posted on December 8, 2009 by Paula, under Time Management Skills, Time and Technology.

Finding subjects for articles and blog posts, like finding time, can be a daunting challenge some days. Do you ever run into that? I did just now, as I sat down to compose today’s post for The Time Finder.

I explored some of the usual places I check: Digg, Alltop, and tried other ideas mentioned in last month’s post Find Time for Finding Fresh Blog Content-5 Tips for Cyber Monday. Nothing really caught my eye, and I could feel my stress level rising (never a help, when it comes to creativity and energy flow).

Before I hit the panic button I took a deep breath and thought, “Let’s take a look at Stumbleupon!”

For those of you unfamiliar with this tool, you can find a quick overview on Wikipedia. Basically, the way it works is that when you visit a page on the web (and have the Stumble toolbar installed) you can give the page a thumbs up or thumbs down rating. This information is compiled with the ratings of your friends and of others with similar interests, and it informs the web pages that are displayed to you when you hit the “Stumble!” button in your toolbar. In effect, what you see is a constantly evolving sampling of web content, based on your expressed preferences.

So, back to my writer’s block. When I pressed “Stumble” the first few sites that appeared didn’t strike my fancy. Then I came upon this one – Widgets to Cure Writer’s Block – and I knew I had found something good! The site is filled with games, articles, and quick ideas to get you unstuck. (Of course, the challenge with a fun and fascinating site like this is to make sure that you don’t stay too long. I recommend using a timer, if need be.)

Here are 3 things to remember, when you are stuck for a writing idea:

Use the tools at hand,
Be willing to explore, and
When you find what you’re looking for, take what you need and go back to your task!

If you experience writer’s block, I’d love to hear how you deal with it … so drop me a line!

What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up and download The New Finding Time Boundary Template. It’s FREE, and when you sign up you will also receive (if you don’t already) my FREE, weekly Finding Time Tips and my FREE, monthly Award-Winning Finding Time E-zine!

Let’s explore time together …

Find Time to Plan for the Holidays-7 Tips!

Posted on December 2, 2009 by Paula, under Time Management Skills.

Finding time for planning is one of the best time management investments that you can make! And there is no better time to start planning in earnest for the December holidays than right now.

Planning offers all sorts of benefits, especially during busy times. Here are 7 tips that can be very helpful!

Lay out the tasks that need to be done, so nothing gets “lost in the shuffle.”

Break large or complex tasks into steps, so that they become less overwhelming and you can feel your progress as you finish each piece.

Plot out timeframes and priorities so that you can pace yourself and be sure that the most important things get tended to (even if you end up not being able to get to everything).

Give yourself some “wiggle room” so that if you run into glitches and need to be flexible, you have the space to do that. (This can be a huge stress reliever.)

Talk to others in your life whose help and support you may need along the way, so that they have time to prepare, too.

This is a great time of year to practice setting time boundaries. If others balk or rebel at your boundary-setting, you might try communicating your boundaries in a way that adds to the anticipation and even might make your boundary fun!

Leave room for pauses, rewards, validations, thankfulness, and brief breaks, so that you are able to stay in the spirit of the season and not burn yourself out!

For more tips and ideas about making the most of your holiday time, you may want to check out Color Your Holidays With Calm, Confidence & Courage: Tools To Help You Thrive In The Midst Of Holiday Madness. This FREE teleclass (Thursday, December 3 from 7:00-8:15 PM ET) is being offered by my friends and colleagues Cindy Hudson and Maggie McCauley. If you’re looking for some great ideas to manage this time and enhance your experience of it, this class is not to be missed!

Want to learn how to set effective boundaries to honor yourself, your time, and your relationships? You can ask for the time and space you need, and get it, too! Claim your FREE MP3, “Honoring Your Time With Boundaries”, and discover tools to move you toward a stronger self and stronger relationships! So, take your next step, click HERE and grab your MP3! When you sign up you will also receive (if you don’t already) our weekly Finding Time Tips, our monthly Award-Winning Finding Time E-zine, and our Finding Time Personal Boundary Template! All FREE – our gifts to you!

Let’s explore time together …

Find Time to Supercharge Your Planning for the Holidays (or Anytime) – 5 Tips!

Posted on November 19, 2009 by Paula, under Time Management Skills.

Finding time to get everything done during this holiday time is a perennial challenge. One thing that can give you a big boost from year-to-year is to develop and use templates for different holiday-related tasks. Today’s Finding Time E-zine explores that topic. (If you don’t already receive it, you can sign up for our E-zine in the sidebar. Do it before 11:45 AM and you should receive today’s edition!)

So using templates is an excellent tool. Likewise, if you think about it, the holidays can certainly be a “project.” Often, there are many complex and time-consuming elements that need to be factored in and dealt with. Here are 5 timely tips, to help you plan ahead for your holidays, just as you might for any big project on your plate!

Open your mind to creative possibilities for structuring your plans. If you rely on the usual methods, like outlining your steps ahead of time, consider a fresh approach. Start by clearly defining your desired outcome, and then build around it. Beginning with the results you’d like will stimulate your creativity more than automatically following prescribed steps.

Refine the picture of your desired outcome until it’s comprehensive and specific. Make it shine! Don’t undermine your plans by having your results remain non-specific. Create a crystal clear image of the end before you begin. Clearly describing your goal will help you structure effective action steps.

Examine closely the scope and complexity of your plan. If you have bitten off more than you can chew, step back and streamline. Planning realistically greatly reduces the chances of overwhelm and disappointment. By staying focused and keeping your plans realistic, you can avoid this pitfall. Learn to marshal your resources by simplifying.

Get everyone who’s important on board at the onset. Once you are clear about your plan and have pared it down to a realistic size, think about who needs to know about the different pieces of it. If you are going to need help, be sure to give people plenty of notice, so that they can also plan their time! You are much more likely to gain cooperation when people understand and buy into your plan ahead of time!

Learn to work backwards. Instead of beginning at the beginning, start from your desired outcome and work backwards to identify each necessary action step. This way, you are more likely to maintain a realistic pace and scale throughout the project. In contrast, beginning at the beginning can mire you in too much detail or overwhelm you with the enormity of your task.

The holidays are a warm and wonderful time – and they can easily become overwhelming when our enthusiasm outstrips our time and energy! It’s deeply rewarding to plan effectively when first starting out. You will proceed with more confidence, develop a stronger base of support, and enhance the likelihood of thorough enjoyment for everyone!

How is your holiday planning going? Have you started? Read on to learn about Honoring Your Time with Boundaries – a very helpful skill for the holidays – or any time of the year. If you grab your FREE MP3 before 9PM (ET) TONIGHT, you’ll still have access to a VERY SPECIAL OFFER … so take a peek!

Let’s explore time together …

Find Time to Manage Your In-Box and EMPTY It Each Day

Posted on October 28, 2009 by Paula, under Time Management Skills, Time and Technology.

Finding time to manage your in-box, let alone EMPTY it, may seem an impossibility.

Not so, says Marty Marsh in an intriguing new post on the Solo-Entrepreneur blog titled “Never Check E-Mail in the Morning.”

His basic advice?

Only check your e-mail at certain times during the day,

Act on every piece of e-mail you receive, and

Have the goal of cleaning out your in-box with each visit.

I know, when I first read that, I thought it was absolutely unrealistic. But read on … this is definitely doable!

Marty suggests that you set up three folders for yourself. One titled ACTION, one titled TOMORROW and one titled REFERENCE. As you check your e-mail (at the time you set for yourself) your commitment is to either act on an e-mail or move it into one of those folders, working through each item until your inbox is empty.

Items in your ACTION folder should be acted on quickly (i.e. today) but needn’t be done right now. (As a rule of thumb, if it will take no more than 2 minutes to respond to something, do it immediately – don’t even move it to your ACTION folder.)

Think of your TOMORROW folder as a way of giving yourself time to respond to less urgent items in your own time. (This is not procrastination. You’ll know the difference.)

Your REFERENCE folder is for items you have already tended to, but want to keep as a record or for reference. Marty suggests NOT creating subfolders here. His advice is to use the search function that is available with most good e-mail managers, if you need to find something in your REFERENCE folder. I have discussed this with my VA, and I know that she finds it helpful to manage her mail with a number of subfolders. You certainly ought to exercise your personal preference in this area, with the goal of keeping it as simple as possible!

Is managing your in-box a perennial headache for you? Consider giving Marty’s suggestions a try – and then let me know what you think. I’d love to hear if it helps you find time!

What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up and download The New Finding Time Personal Boundary Template. It’s FREE, and when you sign up you will also receive (if you don’t already) my FREE, weekly Finding Time Tips and my FREE, monthly Award-Winning Finding Time E-zine!

Let’s explore time together …

Find Time With 7 Timely Tips

Posted on October 14, 2009 by Paula, under Time Management Skills.

Finding time for what matters most to you is not a matter of magic. Not at all!

Each and every one of us can develop the skills and apply the discipline needed to find time.

I’ve compiled some tips and touchstones for you that will help you along your path to time success. Give them a try – I am sure that each one will help!

The “Times 2″ Rule: Always plan for things taking more time than you think. Estimate how much time a project or task will take, and double it!

Develop a system of organization: Take the time to organize your space and your time. If you have a system, you can do anything.

“Done is better than Perfect” (Coach Rändi Smith): If you find yourself consistently repeating tasks, or editing your writing, to get even insignificant details to be absolutely perfect, reconsider your priorities. Fix what is important, but keep the achievement of your desired outcome as your highest priority.

Write down or record your ideas immediately when they come to you: Otherwise, you may forget them. Carry a small notebook or a small digital recorder (also know as a “brain pad”) with you at all times. This will save you hours of frustration trying to recapture a valuable idea.

The way you use your time is the way you live your life: Remember that each of us only has 24 hours in each day. Each choice about how to use your time “in the moment” matters!

Set aside one day a month as a “vacation” day: Decide ahead of time what day it will be and note it on your calendar. Then, when that day arrives, use it to do whatever you choose. This habit is guaranteed to rejuvenate your mind and your body.

You will not have more time tomorrow: If you do have more unscheduled time tomorrow, other activities will expand to fill it. (See number 1.) Therefore, resolve to use your time creatively and effectively each day.

As you can tell from the 7 Tips, time boundaries are a key ingredient in successful time management. I’ve written lots about time boundaries here on The Time Finder, and want to let you know that I’m going to be interviewed by my friend and colleague Melissa McCreery in a FREE teleclass on Wednesday, October 21 at 7PM ET.

Please join us on the 21st – and drop me a line – I’d love to hear your thoughts about time boundaries, the 7 Timely Tips – or anything else you’d like to share!

Let’s explore time together …

Finding Time to Start Your Project

Posted on September 25, 2009 by Paula, under Finding Time E-zine Articles, Time Management Skills.

This Friday we are sharing another adapted article from our Finding Time E-zine. Today’s focus? Getting started on a project.

When faced with a new project, do you find yourself stuck before you begin? Whether you stall out or rush in, you’ll find these tips about preparation extremely helpful.

You benefit in a number of ways by engaging in thoughtful mental and physical action steps prior to starting your project. You maintain your motivation and momentum, and you establish a physical environment conducive to productivity.

For example, have you ever sat down at your desk to begin working on your project, only to realize that you need to immediately get up and get something you need? Whenever this type of break in the action occurs, momentum is lost and the motivation is diminished.

Instead of encountering this familiar and frustrating situation, prepare in advance. Avoid ‘timing difficulties’ by maintaining commitment and focus. We will explore two key elements in your preparation today.

The first is mental preparation. We are all familiar with the process of world-class athletes, and experienced public speakers, going through a mental rehearsal as an important first step in preparing for success. This same cognitive process brings equally beneficial results when used prior to beginning your project.

Get into the habit of opening your imagination to ideas about your intended activity. For several days or several weeks, encourage yourself to creatively think about the desired outcome of your project. That way, ideas emerge and frameworks begin to develop over the course of your everyday thoughts.

Also, carry a small notebook. Any time intriguing ideas and other components relevant to your project surface, make a quick note to yourself. By harvesting the best of your ideas in advance, you begin your project enriched by several pages of thoughts, questions and conclusions to build upon.

Second, mentally prepare your physical landscape. Envision your ideal setting, where everything you need to maintain your focus is right at your fingertips. Concretize these items by jotting them down in your notebook. What supplies and resource materials will you want close at hand? Some necessary items to include might be:

A computer
Several blank lined tablets
A paper calendar on which you can make notes
Several pens or sharpened pencils, depending on your preference
A clock
Sticky pads of different colors, shapes and sizes
Resource materials
Green tea, water, and even aspirin.

This list, compiled over time as you think of the different items you need, will enable you to set up your environment quickly, and ensure that it is uniquely suited to your preferred working style.

Your mental and physical preparation should prevent the two most common obstacles to achievement: a blank page with no ideas to jump-start your thinking, and frustration over the limitations of your working environment.

How do YOU prepare for projects? Are there other barriers that you’d like to see discussed here? Please feel invited to drop me a line – I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

Let’s explore time together …

Find Time to Address Procrastination Using a Template!

Posted on September 18, 2009 by Paula, under Finding Time E-zine Articles, Time Management Skills.

Finding Time to address the challenge of procrastination head on will boost your productivity and reduce your stress in one fell swoop!

This Friday we are sharing another adapted article from our Finding Time E-zine. It offers 3 practical questions for getting a handle on procrastination – and finding time for what matters most!

Having templates for ongoing or seasonal activities is one of the biggest time savers you can possibly institute for yourself. But, what if you are a procrastinator?

Then, even if you created a template, you might find it hard to use it effectively. You may read your list and review your template, but if you don’t complete tasks in the time allotted, your list and template become sources of stress themselves.

So let’s look at a template for fighting procrastination!

First, recognize when you are procrastinating about a task. One clue is noticing that there is one task on your To Do List that you immediately and continually move past. This task is probably the one you keep transferring from one day’s list to the next. If you find yourself doing this three times, circle that task. Then on the fourth day, when you see that circled task, begin to prepare yourself to stop procrastinating.

Start by transferring that single circled task to a blank piece of paper. Then, underneath that task, list questions to ask yourself that will enable you to identify why you are procrastinating. These questions become your ‘Stop Procrastinating Template’.

You’ll probably develop your own questions, but here are 3 to get your template started. Be sure to answer each question in writing so that you’ll have a framework for moving toward completion of the task.

“What am I waiting for?” Take some time to think about this question. Then, being as honest with yourself as possible, write your answer. Read it over. Write down anything else that comes to mind.
“When will be the right time for me to do this task?” (“Never!” is not an acceptable response.) Again, think carefully and then write your answer.
“How will I know when it’s the right time?” This is the most important question. Before answering it, go back to read your answers to questions 1 and 2. Once you have answered question 3 you should know how to get past your procrastination.

Make a commitment to yourself to complete the task. Set a doable date for completion. And let me know what happens - I’d love to hear!

Let’s explore time together …

Finding Time to Use Your Lists Wisely

Posted on September 11, 2009 by Paula, under Finding Time E-zine Articles, Time Management Skills.

Finding Time to make lists is one thing – and finding time to use them well is another, as you are probably well aware! This Friday we are sharing another adapted article from our Finding Time E-zine. It offers 3 practical tips for using your lists wisely!

1. Look at ongoing tasks.

Every list, whatever its category heading, should contain ongoing tasks. Even if they are part of your routine, be sure to include them. Otherwise, they can slip your mind in terms of the time it actually takes to accomplish them.

Be prepared to be flexible as unexpected tasks and activities change your priorities.

Remember that it will be necessary to realign your lists when unexpected events have to be dealt with immediately, therefore changing your original priorities. Stay with your original lists as much as you can, but no list is ‘etched in stone.’

2. Use your lists to anticipate.

Many people forget the time it takes to gather the materials or the information required to complete a task or simple time-consuming activity, like travel time to and from a destination. Look at your list at the time you’ve set to review it. Then jot down time-consuming tasks that are essential to successfully completing the activity. For example, driving children to piano lessons or sports events may take one half hour each way. Make sure you include this travel time in your estimate of how long these activities will take. Otherwise, you may lose an hour and be rushed as you move to your next task.

3. Share your list with the other people in your life who will be affected by your planned activities.

A good idea here is when you review your list, take a few minutes to share it with your partner, your co-workers, or your children – anyone who may need to know when you will not be available to them.

How do you do with managing your lists? I invite you to try one or two or three of these tips! I’d love to hear how it goes – so please drop me a line!

Let’s explore time together …