Get Yourself a Day Planner
If your job keeps you busy in and out of the office, consider getting a day planner if you don't already have one.
A day planner is an essential time management tool and the first line of defense in managing stress. By keeping everything in a day planner, you can think more clearly, knowing that you aren't forgetting anything. You're ready at a moment's notice to find important information and immediately schedule appointments and events.
Where to Buy Day Planners
You can buy a day planner, also called a personal organizer or daily planner, at local retail stores and online stores like Day-Timer, FranklinCovey, and Filofax. Prices vary, depending on quality, size, and features.
Discount and big chain retail stores and drugstores sell inexpensive, simple calendar-style day planners. Office supply and personal organizer stores carry a larger selection of more expensive organizers.
What to Look for in a Day Planner
Day planners come with calendars, address books, and planning tools to help you manage your time well. Your day planner should suit the way your work. It should have an up-to-date calendar with room for blocked off times and daily notes. Pick a personal organizer that holds enough information so you can take it to appointments, meetings, and seminars.
Buy a planner with a handle and zipped cover and you can carry it easily wherever you go. Whatever you choose, buy a planner that's not too big, can fit into a briefcase or large purse, and helps you work quickly and competently when you need it. Colleagues in a meeting won't appreciate your sorting through stacks of stuff to find your day planner. Also make sure to organize your planner well. No one wants to wait while you fumble through your planner looking for things.
At a minimum your day planner should hold a pen, calendar, your typical daily schedule, key contact information, and a To Do list. It may also include the following:
- Goals
- Projects
- Frequent flyer numbers
- A list of books you plan to read
- Upcoming special events
Other information may be useful as well. Shop for a day planner that has the options you need. Then use it every day. You'll be surprised how much time and energy it will save you.
You can find other ways to get organized in The 25 Best Time Management Tools & Techniques - a concise guide filled with proven advice for managing your time and your life better. Order now or Click here for more information.
|
||
