Beating the Clock: How to Manage Your Time More Effectively
Beating the Clock:
How to Manage Your Time More Effectively
By
Maribeth Neelis
Some
people are uber-efficient while others struggle to manage the most basic tasks.
The only real difference is the former has figured out how to manage their time
effectively.
As an
insurance agent, you are familiar with the time issue. You could probably do a
lot more if you just had more hours in the day. But since that’s not an option,
take a few tips on how to squeeze the most from the hours you have.
Use an organizer.
Purchase a planner with
weekly and monthly calendars to keep track of your sundry to-dos and
appointments. Or use an online resource, like Google calendar. Whatever you
decide, you should have one place where you store everything.
Set goals.
Each month, set goals for
yourself in the different areas of your life—sales, family, health. Having long
term goals, such as start my own agency
are critical to your success as well. And you should keep track of those types
of goals too. But monthly goals should be smaller, less overwhelming steps that
move you toward the more ambitious objectives. For example, how much do you
need to put away this month for start-up funding for that agency?
Your goals should be easily
accessible, so that you can glance at them regularly and assess your progress.
At the end of each month happily check off the ones you have reached, and move
those you haven’t into the next month.
Get the most from your to-do list.
There are different types of
to-dos.
Goal to-dos—Each week, your list
should include several to-dos that will help you reach goals you have set.
These action items are things you can do today to help you move closer to that
goal.
Utility to-dos—There are also
tasks that must be completed to ensure work, school and your home life run
smoothly. Although they aren’t directly tied to those lofty, long-term
aspirations, they are necessary to keep your life functioning. Include these on
your list.
