Managing Time The SMART Way

Most people approach the subject of time management with one major question.  How can I get more done in less time?  Effective time management is a powerful way to lower your stress level, particularly when you use it to create a balanced life.

You’ve probably heard the acronym, SMART, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic Time Oriented.  This time management system is ideal for your work or personal life.

S for Specific: Be specific. Should be written with the five Ws in mind?   Be sure to answer what, why and how. The goal must specially describe your desired end result within a specific time frame.  I will complete writing an e-book by March 30 2009.

M for Measureable:  How will you know when the goal is achieved. What is your point of measurement. It’s a numeric measure. For instance, I will write a 50 page e-book.

A for Achievable:  Is this goal achievable.  Something you can achieve on your own or with help.  Keep in mind you have no control over anyone but yourself.  Stretch yourself but make sure it’s something that you can achieve.  For instance, writing a 50 page e-book in a month if far more achievable then having a goal to write a 50 page e-book in the next eight hours.

R for Realistic:   Are the goals do-able and realistic considering the current environment.  Have you considered all of your constraints?  Are you expecting to write this e-book in the next seven days while touring Europe.  Would it be reasonable to expect to write this book while on a 3 day whirlwind tour of Europe?

T for Time Oriented: have you given yourself an end date.  You’ll get a lot more accomplished much faster if you goal is to write an e-book in the 30 days versus I’m going to write an e-book with no expected date of completion.  Your brain probably won’t wrap around a goal with no date.

A lot of people declare they work better under pressure. But you’re only fooling yourself.  What actually happens is you make a lot of mistakes under pressure.  These mistakes that are careless and preventable.

Use the SMART goal setting system to reduce you stress and accomplish more.

Let me know what you think about this blog and let me know your biggest stress challenge in the comment section below.