Time management

[thebillionaire]

I really need help guys, I have poor time management skills, I'm always scrambling to finish my homework, never have time to work on my website or much. Any advice or site that can help me?

[r2d2]

Make a list of things that need doing.

Prioritise them.

Do them one at a time.

Dont get distracted.



May seem obvious, but having items on paper can really help you focus. Do the most important things first. And remember: checking your stats is always at the bottom of the list :)

[AndyH]

Yup, make a list.

For my newest project I have made a list that is ordered by priority of the task - in this case, some things depend on others so the structual things are done first.

While you go along just tick each one off.

[abelony]

Since I have a full time job, I have problems managing the 3 hours every night I use for web stuff.
One thing I have come in terms with is that I have to finish the current project before I move on. I have tried mixing projects but it just created more headaches. By the time I was done with something I had already forgotten how I did the other thing and would have to spend time trying to refresh myself. r2d2's advice is right on.

[chrispian]

1. Turn of "chat" programs like ICQ, AIM.
2. Answer email at designated times, not when it happens. Set aside time and make it a task on your list.
3. Make small lists that you can actually get done. I use 3x5 index cards. If it won't fit on one there is slim chance I'll get to it. I keep a longer list of "action items" but my active to-do list is on my 3x5.
4. When planning your to do list leave a little wiggle room for things that "come up".
5. Like with email, set aside times to browse forums, or do it when your taking a break.

Those are some of the things I do to help me keep focused. I have ADD an these things help. I still get distracted and lose motivation from time to time, but having a daily schedule helps me get done. I still don't do as much as I could be doing. I could probably do twice as much, if not more, without breaking a sweat. I just get distracted very easily. ;)

[s2kinteg916]

i use to have the same problem but i just started with a notebook and dry eraser board.... i use the notebook for website idea's and plans... and i use to dry eraser board when i have to get task done on a particular site....

it reminds me that im lazy and need to get it done..

[Mike]

I've had the same problem this year, I've had so much homework and coursework to do I just don't have enough time as I used to have.

[chromate]

i use to have the same problem but i just started with a notebook and dry eraser board.... i use the notebook for website idea's and plans... and i use to dry eraser board when i have to get task done on a particular site....

it reminds me that im lazy and need to get it done..

I use a dry board too. It's really handy. Though, even then I get distracted and start drawing pictures on it :)

[s2kinteg916]

LOL i think it works well though... Just dont lose your marker and ur set...

[moonshield]

To manage my time...

I plan out the month ahead of time on a monthly calendar. I plan when a specific article is due and then I do it. I like to visit realtor.com on my free time, to remeber what my goals are.

I dont visit forums when Im trying to get stuff done. Posting takes up a lot of time!

[James]

I've also got time management problems. Too much time doing things, not enough cleaning up after I'm done with them.

[thebillionaire]

The problem with me is that actually doing the work, why am I so lazy; I rather play than do any homework.

[James]

Then definitely work on getting a set time for homework. Have an alarm go off. Have a TV on in the background while doing it if need be--probably want just the news or something you'd often watch only if really really really bored.

[paulfitz]

And remember: checking your stats is always at the bottom of the list :)

LOL!

SO true, I have statsitis. I check stats on a couple of sites I have just started about 4-6 times a day :S

A complete waste of time. Much better spent actually developing new sites and creating content! Checking once a day is easily enough.

[Westech]

lol @ statsitis. I have a bad case of this, but I never knew what to call it. Lately I've caught myself compulsively switching back and forth and refreshing several sites' stats and my ad network stats. It's a huge waste of time when I can just check them once or twice a day and get the same info, but I just can't help myself.

[James]

If I could view my stats in real time, I'd just sit there all day. ;)

[Blue Cat Buxton]

If I could view my stats in real time, I'd just sit there all day. ;)


You haven't seen Visitorville.com (http://www.visitorville.com/) then - you'd never get any sleep either :D

[moonshield]

yeah, viewing stats in real time would be fun... especially if it were a busy site.

[Cutter]

Besides writing down what do do, write down what you did. This was you can see what tasks take up the most time vs. the results they give you.

[moonshield]

interesting, i may use that tip myself. Lets see what I have I done today, hmmm... i better do something!

[James]

Actually, Blue Cat, I've seen it mentioned 8 seperate times in forums. I'm just lucky I'm too cheap to get it ;)

[Todd W]

1. Turn of "chat" programs like ICQ, AIM.
2. Answer email at designated times, not when it happens. Set aside time and make it a task on your list.
3. Make small lists that you can actually get done. I use 3x5 index cards. If it won't fit on one there is slim chance I'll get to it. I keep a longer list of "action items" but my active to-do list is on my 3x5.
4. When planning your to do list leave a little wiggle room for things that "come up".
5. Like with email, set aside times to browse forums, or do it when your taking a break.

Those are some of the things I do to help me keep focused. I have ADD an these things help. I still get distracted and lose motivation from time to time, but having a daily schedule helps me get done. I still don't do as much as I could be doing. I could probably do twice as much, if not more, without breaking a sweat. I just get distracted very easily. ;)

Well said! I agree 100% it's not that I don't want to work 10hrs I do!! It's that I get bored and have to go do somethign else.. TV, movie, food, start another project, bounce around between stats, forums etc.. I am motivated I just get bored and distracted EASY!!!!

[thebillionaire]

You haven't seen Visitorville.com (http://www.visitorville.com/) then - you'd never get any sleep either :D

If it wasn't so expensive I would use it.

[paulfitz]

Chris has some great ideas - I've got a few of those techniques working well. Another cool technique I've been doing recently is when I'm too distracted to work is brainstorming extensions for new and existing sites using 'mind-mapping'.

A piece of A4 with the sites name in the middle and then a lines going in all directions going to related ideas and then more lines coming from those ideas.

Ie. vampirestomb ------ seo ------ fix that title tag issue
vampirestomb ------ seo ------ mod_rewrite that search page properly

so it ends up looking like a spider web or veins on a leaf. Helps get the ideas on paper and then usually a burst of activity follows where I get excited and try to finish one branch ;) This dude invented it apparently - http://www.mind-map.com/EN/index.html

I just googled it and theres software for it ;) Now that would be useful.

EDIT: and firefox helps increase productivity I swear. I have all of my stats pages in one folder so click 'open in tabs' and do the stats thing. Same goes for forums, work related pages, news pages I need to update daily and blogs. Helps get through the daily tasks in sequential order.

[Tim]

I spend 1.5 - 2.0 hrs every day on my way home > work > university > work > home
I'm used to think on what I've done, what I have to do, in what priorities, and finally, when I'm going to do that during that time.

I make decisions on what's next - and follow my decision.

[moonshield]

yes, while driving is a good time to make plans. I do it all the time. I make plans to make plans.