How Productive is Your Time? Here Are Some of the Top Timewasters

By Shannon Fuller

Wouldn't it be nice if we could get in a time machine or rewind the clock to make the best use of our time? Unfortunately, that only happens in the movies. We are each allotted 24 hours a day. What we do with these 24 hours is our choice. The old adage, "Let's work smarter" not "harder" has a purpose. By mastering this adage, by constantly looking for ways to improve our time management will increase our productivity 10-fold.

PROCRASTINATION. We can easily point to ourselves for examples. Is there anything you have ever "put off until tomorrow" that you later regretted not doing? Perhaps it was an exercise program or some other regimen, such as a plan to quit smoking. What about your daily business plan?

LACK OF SELF-DISCIPLINE. We are blessed or cursed, depending on your viewpoint, with a non-negotiable need for discipline in our jobs. We might be Independent Contractors, have a Home Based business or work for a Corporation at home. Since we probably don't punch a time clock, and are somewhat out of sight most of the time, we are responsible first to ourselves to provide the proper mindset of success and the energy necessary to accomplish our goals.

We tend to get so caught up with our customers and clients and want to provide them with the best service possible. This will at time give us the inability to say "NO". We can accomplish this tactfully without disrespect to our customers or clients. We are terrified we might lose our customer or their business. We have to be confident in ourselves and this will project through to the client. There will be time we have to say "NO" when a customer is possibly asking for major concessions, a price reduction or additional services.

PERSONAL DISORGANIZATION. We work on a daily basis with a large number of variables, and often have to change our own mindset many times a day as we communicate directly with a wide range of home buyers and builders. Take a look at your own systems that are being utilized in your car and office, and see if there might be a better way to get organized to save time and increase your income.

Ever hear, "Don't bite off more than you can chew"? Again, another huge timewaster and we are all responsible for it. By attempting to do more than we can handle, will make our time even more unproductive. Look at your written goals and analyze them cautiously. This will help maintain your control of time and will help you reach your target faster.

LACK OF OBJECTIVES & PLANNING. It's difficult, if not impossible, to measure success if we can't define the objective. Clear and understandable goals are vital to your personal growth and development, but are worthless unless backed up by a reasonable plan of action. There should never be a day when you don't repeat, out loud, your objectives. Many interruptions will get in the way of our objectives. Interruptions occur in many disguises: road construction, unexpected telephone calls, etc. How many times have you been interrupted while working with a potential or current customer?

Time truly is our most precious commodity. What we choose to do with it is an individual choice and decision. We function daily in a world of reward for performance. Managing our time effectively by eliminating the time wasters can mean the difference between mediocrity and magnificence! - 31387

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