Where Does Your Time Go?

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the most successful leaders is the ability to get things done. They always seem to have time -- or they make time -- for you, for their colleagues, for their family and friends, and even for relaxation.

So how do they do it?

Here are 18 essential questions you should ask yourself about your own time-management skills:

• Did I accomplish all of my high-priority goals?
• Did I reach or surpass all of my other goals?
• Did I invest as much time as I planned in persuading others?
• How much time did I spend prospecting for new clients?
• How much time did I waste procrastinating today?
• What is the most productive thing I did today?
• What is the least productive thing I did today?
• Of the things I consider a waste of time could I have avoided or eliminated any of them? 
• How much time did I spend doing something that will profit me? Can I devote more time here?
• Was today a productive day for me? For my company?
• Did I take care of all the paperwork I needed to care of?
• How many of today’s activities have helped me achieve my goals?
• How much time did I allocate to my family and friends?
• What can I do to improve the quality of the time I spend with my family and friends?
• How much time did I allocate to myself?
• If I could live today again, what would I change?
• What did I do today that I feel really good about?
• What or who wasted the greatest amount of my time?

Finally, and in summary, here are 10 common time traps to avoid:

• Desperately seeking what should not be lost – become more organized
• Failing to do the job right the first time – work to "Right First Time" principles
• Procrastination
• Unnecessary or unnecessarily long telephone calls – be succinct
• Unnecessary or unnecessarily long meetings – be rigorous
• Check lunches that last for two or more hours – be honest
• Negative thinking – be positive
• Travelling time – plan
• Unconfirmed appointments – be realistic
• Laziness – be diligent: Productivity = Results

Remember:
The most important word in time and self-management is………NO!

I made the time today to share these tips with you, will you make the time to analyze how you can become more efficient?

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Jonathan Farrington is a globally recognized business coach, mentor, author, consultant, and sales strategist, who has guided hundreds of companies and thousands of individuals around the world towards optimum performance levels. He is the CEO of Top Sales Associates, Chairman of The jf Corporation and the creator of Top Sales World.

Jonathan is based in London and Paris