Harold Taylor, president of Harold Taylor Time Consultants Inc.
www.taylorintime.com
as printed in Graphic Arts Magazine, July/August 2009
It’s the long awaited, much anticipated second part to the article on Time Saving Tips 
Don’t procrastinate. Procrastination is putting off until later what is best done now. If it’s too large a task to complete in one sitting, break it into chunks and do a little at a time. if it’s distasteful, do it now and get it over with. Putting things off wastes time, causes stress and helps make life unpleasant for yourself and others.
Say “no” more often. Some people say “yes” to others simply because they’re available or don’t want to offend. make sure the request is compatible with you goals before you agree. Have as much respect for your time as you have for other peoples’ time. Remember, every time you say “yes” to something, you are saying “no” to something else that could be done instead.
Record your telephone calls. Don’t rely on your memory. Jot down notes while you’re on the line. Indicate any action required on your part by jotting a note on the right hand side of the page. Cross it off when it’s completed. You are less likely to be interrupted if you’re writing, your concentration will improve and you won’t forget to follow up. You will also have an accurate record of what was discussed.
Delegate more. This is the greatest time-saver of all because it frees up time for more important tasks. If you have no one to delegate to, ask your suppliers to help. Or delegate to a computer. It can retrieve information for you, fax, dial the telephone or send email. Be on the lookout for time-saving equipment and supplies that will help free up your time. Don’t delegate anything that can be eliminated.
Avoid stress. Recognize you can’t do everything or be all things to all people. Be organized, effective and efficient, but don’t go on a guilt trip just because you can’t do the impossible. It’s not the stressful environment, but your reaction to it that does the damage. Your health should be your number one priority. Without it you’re of little use to anyone.
Practice Pareto’s Principle. This 80-20 rule rule suggests that 80% of your results are achieved by 20% of the things youdo. Focus on the priorites, and if everything doesn’t get done, let it be the less important tasks.
Put your goals in writing. Time is life. Don’t leave it to chance. Determine where you would like to be in five years and put those goals in writing. Then, schedule time for yourself to work in that direction. Where you will be in five years is determined by what you are doing today, tomorrow and next week.
Fore more information, or to purchase time management products, visit: http://www.taylorintime.com/print.
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