Take Charge of Your Time

Time is a precious commodity that's available to all of us in equal parts to use as we choose.

"Time is your personal possession. Nobody can manage it or fix it for you," says Glenn Van Ekeren, author of 12 Simple Secrets of Happiness at Work. "One of the best ways to use your time wisely is to ask yourself, 'Is this the best way for me to be spending my time right now?' And, if it isn't, change your activity to one that will bring value to your company." Time belongs to each individual, and can't be managed by anyone else. Using time wisely can help you become more productive.

Here are some suggestions to help you get a hold on wasted time:

Peak hours

Schedule work according to your peak productivity time. Dedicate those hours when you're most productive to doing things that give the highest return and produce the greatest value.

Determine your priorities

Decide which things have to be done and which things fall into the want to get done category. Then spend your energy on the most important ones.

Go for results

Be result-oriented rather than activity-oriented. Activity doesn't equal accomplishment. You are effective when you get things done, not by just being busy.

Get organized

Have a place for everything and have everything in its place, then maintain that sense of order.

Learn to say no

Busy people must simply learn to refuse some demands on their time. Don't let your ego get in the way of being realistic about your time limits.

Work on your attitude

Your attitude about how busy you are, the amount of time you have or the demands on your life can sabotage any effort to make the most of the time you have. Be flexible. Not everything will go as expected. Seek new opportunities when your game plan runs into roadblocks.

Do it right the first time

If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?

Place deadlines on yourself

Don't allow minor or major projects to drag on indefinitely. Challenge yourself with deadlines and beat them.

Prepare for unexpected downtime

Spare minutes created by waiting in airports, restaurants or traffic can be the perfect time to complete small projects.

Get up earlier

By rising 30 minutes earlier each day, you add 3-1/2 hours of productivity to your week. Gaining this extra time allows you to do more things for yourself.