When
was the last time you complained that you had too much
time on your hands? You probably cannot remember that
far back. The truth is that most of us cannot squeeze
into a 24-hour period all the items written on our daily
planners. A common mistake most people make is to attempt
to find time instead of make time!
How
do you MAKE time?
FIRST,
define your most important goals:
A
burning desire to reach a specific goal motivates you
to make time to take the required actions.
Write
down specifically how you will use extra time.
Will you spend it making personal calls, three-way calls,
attending training meetings, making new contacts?
SECOND,
chart your time:
Note
how you spend each hour. Most time is wasted, not in
hours, but in minutes. A bucket with a small hole in
the bottom becomes just as empty as the one that is
deliberately kicked over.
THIRD,
organize your time to plug the time leaks:
Assume
the attitude that every minute that does not work for
you, works against you.
To
make the most of your time, try these proven time savers:
>
Examine the usual daily interruptions. See
how many you can eliminate immediately, screen out,
or delegate. Set aside a specific time for phoning people
on your prospect list, making presentations, keeping
up with the detail part of the job, attending training
meetings, reading and sending emails and phone calls.
These designated time blocks do not always work; emergencies
occur, demanding flexibility in scheduling. But when
you have a plan for organizing and investing your time,
that extra hour of time each day will be available.
>
Analyze your energy cycle. Determine when you tend
to be at your best physically and mentally. Schedule
challenging tasks during those times of peak performance
and you will accomplish more in less time. I have more
energy in the morning hours than I do in the afternoon
hours, so I have always made the majority of my phone
calls for sales appointments first thing in the morning.
For some people it is just the opposite. They are evening
people and work better in the evenings.
>
Think about time the way you think about money.
The more wisely you invest time, the greater the yield.
Before you invest time in a given activity, ask yourself,
"Is there something more profitable I could be doing?"
And remember, making face-to-face contacts and presentations
will ALWAYS be the most profitable thing you can do!!
Make
the most of your life by making the most of every minute,
every hour and every day!!
You
can receive more information about Paul J. Meyer at https://www.pauljmeyer.com. Copyright © 1999 Paul J. Meyer ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. |