Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Tips On Managing Time Are Given

BARBARA A. HOLT, Ph.D.

CLARK COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT

HOME AND CONSUMER SCIENCES

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE

As the new school year starts families will make changes from summer to fall schedules.

Trying to get everyone organized and still have time to do the things you want and need becomes a problem, unless you learn to manage time well.

If you don't manage your time, it will be managed for you. Time invested in the process of living is as important as the tangible, measurable things.

Good relationships don't just happen, they take time but pay great rewards. To sit on the porch and watch the sun go down may seem unproductive to some but if it leaves you rejuvenated and ready to give your all to a project, then it is time well spent.

If you're aggravated with yourself for wasting time, perhaps you have never taken the time to set down specifically what you want to accomplish. Make lists. Be reasonable. You will only assure disappointment if your list is unrealistic.

Diane Jones, family consumer science specialist with Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas, lists some common time wasters:

• Procrastination: Avoid it by setting a time limit or deadline with specific goals. You will be less likely to procrastinate. And reward yourself when the job is finished!
• Misunderstandings: When receiving or giving assignments, make an effort to assure yourself everyone involved fully understands. If things aren't done right the first time, when will you have time to do them over?
• Interruptions: You may need to work in isolation. Things to do at home or a ringing telephone can always get in the way. A note on the door can quietly discourage interruptions. Schedule activities to be alone when quiet is needed. If you can deal with interruptions, do things not affected by having others around.
• Lack of preparation: Plan before meeting with others. Know what points you need to cover and what answers you want and expect the same of them. Let others know you are busy and it is important to you they give things some advance thought.
• Perfection: This will reduce you productivity rate. Give frank consideration to just how important perfection is to each task facing you. Extreme perfection is an unrealistic use of time. Don't compromise your standards just be realistic.
• Clutter: If you can't find it, you lose considerable time searching. "A place for everything and everything in its place" is ideal.
• Decisions: If too many basic decisions require your attention, you lose time. Help others develop the ability to make decisions. Make decisions at the lowest level possible.

Call the Clark County office at 246-2281 for more information.