(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Filling in schedules of play, work and exploration seemed to be an endless task as a child. Time seemed to be an infinite resource in comparison to today when the balance of work, family and other social responsibilities has become trickier. A trick, I have to admit, I don't always succeed in. With the ever-growing everyday responsibilities, the time set to achieve a task seems to be dwindling. Here are few of my personally trusted rules on increasing efficiency in the time we have.
Prioritise
My day often begins or ends with making a list. Lists not only organise your thoughts, but also give you focus. You are then able to break down what seem like monumental tasks into measurable and achievable goals. These goals then become unchallenging to track and follow up, especially when part or whole of it needs to be achieved by a third party. These lists then need to be arranged in the order of priority and urgency. Planning your days at least a week or two in advance will also help to plug in tasks as they are thrown at you. Organisation of one's diary is an acquired wisdom gained either by application in your formative years or continual practice. These priorities are your own and very personal.
Delegate
Team should be the essence that drives you. The ardent tasks of not only increasing productivity but also empowering others become possible only when the alliances you form are translated into productive units. Learn to trust your team mates and share responsibilities - both at work and with your spouse at home. Commit to edify skills to associates, who then become partners in your tasks and projects. Delegate responsibility and reiterate the accountability attached with the given authority. Recognise and reward the achievement of tasks, no matter how small they maybe.
Embrace technology
Today, when the world is available at your fingertips, embrace and enhance the technological skills required to be more productive. Use dependable and conspicuous means of communication to connect and liaise with not just your team, but also potential associations, partnerships and more. Make use of the technology of today to achieve mundane tasks. These may take some time to set up but that extra effort goes a long way. Try to stay abreast of new technology that could further facilitate endeavours.
Quick decision
To be more productive, an important trait to adopt is to make decisions swiftly and without hesitance. If you find yourself mulling over a particular task or issue, take some time off from it and go back to the drawing board with a new approach, ending with a decision that appeals to your spirit. Trusting your gut will come with time and experience. Meanwhile, research and expert opinion from industry veterans make inspirational proxies. Never hesitate to ask questions and learn.
Introspection
Constantly assess oneself to ensure that adequate time is reserved for enhancing one's mental and physical aptitudes. Eating well, resting and meditating are only a few ideas to contribute to the improvement of self. The time spent at these self assessments will reap rewards by fuelling one's creativity and providing renewed energy. Setting ambitious goals for self improvement and rewarding oneself at the achievement of even one such goal will push our personal limits as well.
Time is a precious and finite resource, the smart exercise of which reflects on oneself as a good manager and a good leader. With a little bit of focus, structure and well-defined approach to our daily lives, we can change our struggles into many little wins that go a long way in fostering content and happy minds.
As women, this learning becomes even more important with the realisation that in the fervour of packing the diary with tasks, duties and deadlines, we are not missing the importance of moments and individuals. If it is not possible to finish everything on the list today, tomorrow is also another potentially productive day. Seize it.
The writer is CEO of Tablez Food Company. Views expressed are her own and do not reflect the newspaper's policy.
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