If you don’t have time to attend a time management seminar, here are four ideas to help you create a more productive day. First, the key for that day is to create more discretionary time and use it more wisely. Second, remember that you don’t get paid for the work, you get paid for the results. Third, you need to control your day instead of it controlling you. Idea number one is to start by looking at your typical day. To do this, you need to make a simple time record. This is done by taking an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper and numbering each line in fifteen minute increments starting with the time you arrive at work. (Note: don’t start when he’s supposed to be there, but when he actually gets there.) Then, throughout the day, record your activities. You have to do this for two weeks. Then look for ways to waste time and ways to create more discretionary time.

There are two types of time; discretionary, which means you have the option to spend it, and non-discretionary, which takes care of work functions, meetings, and appointments. Your time log may surprise you as to how much discretionary time you have each day. To make a truly productive day, you need to spend this time wisely. Remember this about your job, you are given more than you can accomplish; this is called job security. The idea is to determine what will give you the best results and then delegate the rest.

The number one time on your Time Log will, in all probability, be interruptions. These should be removed or minimized. To be most productive, you must first determine who is interrupting you, and then why they keep showing up. Once you have identified the reason, correct it, remember to be attentive to time but kind to people. Consider that you may be part of the problem, by socializing and therefore prolonging the interruption. To be most effective, don’t socialize when you’re busy, save it for later.

There are two ways to help you stay focused; first, a note on your desk that says, “What’s the best use of my time right now?” and second, keep your “to do list” in plain sight. Many people create to-do lists, but often they are just reminders of what needs to be done and therefore turn into frustrations. when not everything is done. If this is your experience, then you are allowing events to control your day rather than you controlling them. What needs to happen is that you prioritize your to-do list and think about which items you need to complete for the best results. You must develop the habit of doing the most important things first and working through the list in order of priority. You’ve probably heard of the Praeto Principle or the 80/20 rule; specifically that 80 percent of your results come from 20 percent of your activities. It follows then that by concentrating on those 20 percent items you will get more results. A reminder here is don’t fool yourself into thinking that doing the easy things first will give you more time for the bigger and more important things. You will almost always run out of time and end up working late or taking work home. These so-called easy items are prime targets for delegation.

Here’s a tip to create more discretionary time for yourself; schedule a one-hour meeting with yourself every day. Put this on your calendar and follow it every day. Your “time log” will give you the best opportunity to do so. Then close the door, put “crime scene tape” in your cubicle, or go to a conference room. Make sure someone takes your calls and tells them where you are in case of an emergency. In your private meeting, work on your number one priority first and don’t leave it until it’s done and then move on to the next one. (A word of advice here: if you schedule your meeting and for some reason it gets a higher priority, then reschedule for later.) You will most likely never finish everything, but you will be working on the most important elements and this will give you the results you want. This can lead to a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that is generally lacking in most people who don’t follow good time management practices.

One final note: When you start to get a grip on your day, plan a time to leave. You will be amazed that things will get done and you will really be able to bring balance to your life. That really is a fleeting thing for most people.