Technique #2: Minimize Meetings
Kennedy states that 'most meetings end where they begin' and that you need a strategy to avoid them. He offers the suggestion that if you have an off site meeting, still meet the person at you office so you can work if the person runs late...
Technique #3: Practice Absolute Punctuality
Chapter 4 in this book is all about that topic. The title of the chapter is 'The Number One Most Powerful Personal Discipline in All the World'. He states that 'Punctuality provides personal power' and that most successful people make a point of having an "instant reject criteria," if people aren't punctual. I wonder if this goes for both people you're giving money to as well as getting money from??? He also talks about how foolish it is with people who are deliberately late as a means of trying to be & seem important. I agree, that is foolish!
Technique #4: Make and Use Lists
Kennedy states that there is not a single time management discipline or system that doesn't revolve around making and using lists and that you need to find the system that works best for you.
Technique #5: Fight to Link Everything to your Goals
"If you're going to achieve peak personal productivity, you've got to define peak personal productivity". Kennedy then states "Productivity is the deliberate , strategic investment of your time, talent, intelligence, energy, resources and opportunities in a manner calculated to move your measurably closer to meaningful goals". Think about it ~ so true!
Technique #6: Tickle the Memory with Tickler Files
The suggestion is to use numbered file folders that you can physically place items in, including notes of what actions to take on that day. I haven't had luck with this type of system but might give it another try or check out electronic versions....
Technique #7: Block Your Time
This I do and strongly recommend it. It's basically about making (and keeping!) appointments with yourself, just like you would put an appointment with any other person on your calendar. You track everything to avoid losing time and getting important (read goal and income related!) tasks done in a timely, consistent manner. Checking the clock I'm 21 minutes over on my scheduled time for this blog post!!! I would highly recommend setting a timer and I usually do.
You can do this everyday in one hour or half-hour increments for each task or project. My younger daughter had her 1st day of 7th grade today at a new school (busy week ~ my older daughter is leaving for college on Saturday) so today is the first day of a newly revised time block calender for myself. Don't feel trapped by your calendar ~ make it a business tool you use and love.
Technique #8: Minimize Unplanned Activity
Using Technique #7 will reduce wasted time since you have your entire schedule blocked by hour or half-hour increments. You can block personal and family time but there's no 'spare' time to waste. Kennedy has this to say:
Just as the person who cannot tell you where the money goes is forever destined to be poor, the person who cannot tell you where his time goes is forever destined to be unproductive and often poor....
Technique #9: Profit from "Odd-Lot" Time
This is one of my favorites too. Kennedy suggests that when you're stuck in traffic (I would suggest on long rides too) turn your car into a class room. With all of the great electronic devices on the market you can turn any downtime (keep this in mind for flights and waiting in an airport ~ sorry Angry Birds) into learning time. He also suggests, as do I, having a notepad and something to write with even though you could use your electronic device for that too. Some of the best doodling leads to brainstorming and vice versa!
Technique #10: Live Off Peak
Last but not least and yet another that I try to live by. Always avoid going to the bank, supermarket, post office and even diving during peak times. I'll leave the post office if the line is too long and go to another post office that's in my travels or come back another time or day if at all possible. This may sound crazy but the post office near my home sets people up with Passports and if you get behind someone doing that ~ not good. And yes, I have been the person getting a Passport! Keeping things like this in mind will save you a lot of time and frustration.
Hope you've enjoyed reading these 'low tech' techniques and found the summary helpful even if they aren't all of interest or pertain to you.
