by DiAnn Mills, @diannmills

Quotes about time management can hit us hard. Some offer a chuckle and others are sobering. 

“Hey, all you people who use emojis, what are you doing with the time you’ve saved?”

“The problem with saving time is that as soon as we get it, we spend it.”

“Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils.” 

 – Hector Louis Berlioz

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.”

 – Michael Altshuler

“Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and planning.” 

 – Winston Churchill

If we’re disciplined and scheduled, time management is part of our daily routine. It falls in line with the way our brain works. We’re on time with all we do, and we’re quick to tackle the next project.

But if we struggle with procrastination and lack the ability to stay productive, then we need tools . . . sharp ones. Our families are disappointed because we’re always late. Our publishers are frustrated because we can’t meet deadlines. And we’re frustrated with ourselves for upsetting others. 

If time management is your nemeses, here are 11 ways to increase productivity:

1. Organize and calendar tasks

Investing in a calendar allows us to record tasks, appointments, due dates, and whatever else stalking us. My preference is an online calendar in which the user can request an audible alarm. Some prefer a hardcopy calendar with different colored pens and symbols. Whatever works for you, use it.

2. Establish goals 

We need goals to keep us moving in the right direction. A spreadsheet works for me with regular checks to analyze progress. Goals need to be attainable with measurable steps and yet challenge us. 

3. Commit to doing the work

Unless we are determined to learn how to manage our time, no amount of reading helpful blogs, books, or investing in tools will prove successful. Take a deep breath and make the commitment. The downside is the panic and stress when deadlines fly by.

4. Enlist an accountability partner

Changing habits is hard, and sometimes we need those whom we respect to keep us on task. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

5. Make a list 

Write down each item that needs to be done in the order of due date and most difficult. Then cross through what has been accomplished. I use this method as a shield against the enemy called “overwhelmed.”

6. Sleep 8 hours each night

No one is productive, creative, or able to apply new habits unless the person is alert and well-rested. Don’t discard a nap. These surges of refreshment can clear our heads and give us energy.

7. Social Media Scheduling

Taking time throughout the day to post on our social media platforms is not only a waste of time, but it also interrupts what we do best—write. Take a look at Buffer, Hootsuite or other schedulers that will provide reports and analytics. My hint is to do schedule social media first thing in the morning. 

8. Learn to say “No” to time-zappers

Each one of us has a time-zapper. Mine may not be yours. Perhaps it’s social media, TV, other people, or unhealthy activities stopping us from managing our time. Saying “No” is difficult but we can master the art of priorities. This could be another task for an accountability partner.

9. Eliminate multitasking

I’m most guilty of this . . . doing several things at once and not quite finishing one before starting another. We call it multitasking when research shows we aren’t doing any of the tasks well. Finish what we start then move on to the next item. I’m doing much better with it.

10. Practice healthy nutrition and exercise

This is a biggie for me. The more we devote to taking care of our bodies, the more our bodies reward us with strength and energy. Neurons snap to attention when we decide to eat nutritionally sound and move our bodies. Here’s a great article about exercise from the Mayo clinic.

11. Celebrate

Mark your successes with a celebration. It doesn’t have to be a party, but then again why not? Using time management skills in our lives adds value and importance to our self-esteem. 

 

Breaking away from old habits and establishing new ones isn’t easy, but with the right tools, it can be done. What is your favorite tip for managing time?

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Fatal Strike

There’s a killer on the loose in Galveston, targeting law enforcement officials and using a fatal injection of snake venom to take them down. Authorities have reasons to believe the Veneno gang is behind the hits, and FBI Agents Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert team up to track down those responsible. Their best lead is an eyewitness who identifies a young man dumping the third body on a church doorstep. But their suspect has gone into hiding, and those closest to him are reluctant to reveal anything that might help investigators find him. As Leah and Jon check connections among the victims and dig deeper into motives, they discover appearances may be deceiving. Someone is desperate to keep their secrets hidden, and Leah and Jon must face their greatest fears in order to stop the next fatal strike.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller and creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

Connect with DiAnn here: www.diannmills.com