3 Smart Scheduling Secrets

By Maria Gracia
Expert Author
Article Date: 2001-07-12

1. DON'T OVERBOOK. There is a fine art to setting up an effective schedule, so that it is just full enough of the most useful activ- ities. Too full and you're liable to exhaust yourself. Too loose and you're wasting precious time that can be used to work towards your goals.

2. PAD YOUR TIME. If you think something is going to take you 15 minutes to complete, pad the time you schedule for that task by an additional 15 minutes. Most people underestimate the time it takes to do things. For example, if you schedule 15 minutes to get across town, but you run into traffic, A) you're going to be late, and B) you're going to throw the rest of your schedule off. Pad your time, and if you finish the task early, you're free to start something else, or simply take a break.

3. USE THE TIME OF DAY THAT WORKS BEST. Always schedule those tasks that require your undivided attention at the time of day when you're most alert and energetic. For some people, this time is first thing in the morning. For others, it may be the afternoon. The time you choose is dependent upon your personal energy levels.