Managing Your Time effectively, tips for Contractors

If you are a contractor then it's likely that your employer is paying you for a service, and on many contracts there isn't a time limit, so to the employer it will not matter if you spend 40 hours or 60 hours on one task.

Unfortunately most contractors don't use their time management skills to their advantage therefore we have put some top tips to keep you focused.

Time Management

Time is precious.- Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in a day. So here are some quick guides for effective time management

First thing, make a to do list Take 5 minutes out from your day and make a list, put the most important tasks at the top. Cross them off as you complete each task.

A tidy desk makes for a tidy mind Piles of clutter, a disordered desk makes you lose time by making you search for papers and items on your desk. File away everything you need and get rid of the rest 

Remember to avoid distractions When you are in a middle of a task try to avoid distractions like chatting with your friends, answering text messages or searching the web

You must learn to say NO! If you don't say NO occasionally your work piles up. Try to reject a request from a co-worker or colleague if it isn't a priority. This is bound to shrink the pressure on you and leave you with a bit more time to do your to do list

Don't overwork  Working late is counterproductive. You are not at your best, your working slower and less efficient when you are tired or stressed. So go home and get some rest and come back to your desk felling fresh and focused the next day

Don't forget to treat yourself - Reward yourself after completing your to do list; by getting something sweet or something stronger at the end, this will give you something to aim for. Go on Treat Yourself!

Things that we must do this year to save time

Use your Diary! - Interesting fact, that most of us receive more than one diary at Christmas each year. However by March most people have stopped using theirs... This year try to use your diary or even your Outlook Calendar and plan ahead.

SMS - Learn to use your mobile phone - how much time would you save if you knew how to send SMS or better still, accept only SMS when you were working or getting your email to your mobile? Make a point of getting a mate to show you how to use your phone or head over to your dealer.

Personal Days - We are all guilty of not listening to our bodies, if you did however you would know when to stop working and take a rest. If you begin to feel that you're coming down with a bug, nip it on the bud. Take a personal day before a feeling groggy turns to feeling bad!

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If you're looking for help and advice, head over to the Contractors Forum to post your questions or help others.

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