Public Spark

Write down a to do list

I am a fan of lists! Somehow writing the things I have to do and seeing it makes it more manageable. I noticed that breaking things down into detail can help me be more efficient, since I can estimate the amount of time each task will take. For example, instead of putting down “write the final paper for class,” I separate it to: “find resources, write the introduction, write the first paragraph,…conclusion,” etc. I can also plan out breaks or alternate with other tasks, so I don’t get bored or lose my concentration.

Prioritize in order of importance

The to-do list serves as the skeleton for my work. I can visually see which is most important and then go from there. I like using google documents (docs.google.com) for the to do list because I can edit the list easily and erase it as I complete the task. I use it in conjunction with my google calendar (www.google.com/calendar) in which I can see the monthly view, weekly view, as well as the daily view. Each are handy in seeing whether there are meetings or other things that will take time or priority.

Allow for flexibility in planning your schedule

Life always throws in surprises and part of what makes it fun is that life rarely goes as planned. So sometimes it is beneficial not to schedule appointments so close to each other. Some of my friends will set their clocks 15 minutes ahead so they have a little window of flexibility. I like to overestimate my time. If I have a meeting that is supposed to run from 9 AM- 10 AM then I may not schedule another until 10:30 AM, in case the meeting runs over. If the meeting finishes at 10 AM, then I have a 30 minute window to complete another task before my 10:30 AM meeting.

Multi-task!

It may seem easy to some, but for most, including myself, it is an art that requires practice. Everyone is allotted the same amount of time in a day, which is 24 hours. We have a choice of how to use it. Why is it that some people seem to get more done? I believe that it is in the ability to multi-task. I have to be consciously aware of how I use the time or I don’t feel productive. For example, I use any “down-time” to do other tasks. While taking time to turn on the lap top, I check my mail, read a memo, make a phone call, and then work on my laptop to write a blog.

Give yourself breaks!!

Breaks help clear your mind and allow you to regain the energy to concentrate again.