Finding Time
By Nancy Kruschke McKinney

Phone calls, faxes, e-mails, meetings, video conferences, projects, sports activities, kids events, parties, house work, laundry, grocery shopping…The list goes on and on. There just never seems to be enough time to do everything-unless, of course, we just don't sleep!

Here are a few tips to help free up some time:

1. Hold "stand up" meetings. At your next staff meeting, have everyone stand up. If people aren't as comfortable, they are more likely to get to the point much quicker and your meetings will be shorter.
   
   
2. Schedule time to return phone calls. Return phone calls just before lunch or at the end of the day. It will keep the calls shorter as most people don't want to talk too long at these times, they'll get to the point. Also, returning calls on your way to a meeting allows you to let the person you're calling know you have limited time, without suggesting they are not important to you!
   
   
3. Prepare your to-do list the night before. Take time at the end of the day to review your calendar and your to-do list. Prioritize your to-do's and schedule some time in your calendar to work on them. This gives you a head start the next day and helps keep you focused.
   
   
4. Learn to say "NO." Set your priorities and schedule time for yourself. When people ask you do something, you can then honestly say you're booked.

Try one or try all of these tips during the next week; you'll be amazed at the amount of time you can save. Every bit of time saved allows you time to do something else on your list, and even have some time left over just for you!

Nancy Kruschke, owner of Successful Organizing Solutions (S.O.S.) is an organizing coach, consultant, and speaker. Nancy can be reached at 608-441-6767 or Nancy@SOSorganize.net or visit www.SOSorganize.net.