Time to Manage Yourself, Not the Clock

Your sensory brain dominance (auditory, visual or kinesthetic) determines not only how you process information and communicate but also how you perceive and relate to time. Since no one really manages time, the secret is to manage your information, resources environment and activities. Success lies in your habits about how you choose to invest your time.

This is your brain on time:

Auditory processing is based on details, facts and how-to´s, so the time tendency is to start in the past and apply it to the present. Auditory dominant people have more trouble with long-term planning than their visual counterparts.

I´m a strongly auditory learner: fifty percent auditory, thirty percent kinesthetic and only twenty percent visual. One of my adaptations is to always open up my calendar to the month at a glance view before I start my daily schedule or make additions or changes. I have to see that overview again and again to keep from thrusting myself into a crunch time episode.

Visual processing is formed around images, trends and issues, so the time tendency is to start in the future and apply it to the present. Visually dominant people have more trouble with details and time slipping through the cracks than their auditory counterparts.

One solid adaptation for a visual learner is to write every action item down in one place, a notebook, computer task list or PDA notes section. Then review that record while they are scheduling.

Kinetic (or kinesthetic) processing is based on emotional feelings and body sense reports such as location and movement. A kinetic dominant learner´s time sense is based in the present. They spend very little time thinking about the past or future. They are slower to respond to information not in their immediate environment.

A good adaptation for strongly kinetic person is to always keep their calendar and to-do list open and accessible.

If you want to find out more about your brain see http://www.abrainnewwaytowork.com/assessments.html for your free online quiz results. In the meantime, take the quick quiz below and check out your Time Quotient. Remember it is not how much time you have it is what you do with it!

Quiz #1: How Well Do Really I Use My Time?

1. I take advantage of my learning style. I know and use the ways that I learn best.

2. I ask people for information or resources that I need.

3. I plan to do my toughest work at times when I'm most alert.

4. I know my personal-best working environment. I plan to work that way as often as I can.

5. I use a calendar (monthly, weekly, & daily) to track my activities and goals.

6. Every morning I list (paper or computerized tasks) the most important things to accomplish today.

7. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I take a break and make time to concentrate on organizing myself.

8. At least weekly, I review my future goals and responsibilities.

9. I update all of my contact information (phone, email etc.) in one place at the office and in a portable PDA, smart phone or printout.

10. I keep my task-related papers in separate folders on vertical sorters.

You gain 2 points for using each of these best practices.

TOTAL POINTS: How Well Do Really I Use My Time? _____

Quiz #2: How do I waste time?

1. I am often sleepy or hungry at work.

2. I get to work and get busy. I take no time to think over my to-do´s or planning.

3. I always start my day by completely reviewing and responding to all of my email.

4. I can spend hours worrying about a personal or professional problem.

5. I'm not as well organized as most of my colleagues. I spend time looking for things I need.

6. I don't use a monthly, weekly and daily calendar to plan my activities.

7. I usually take personal calls during my best working time.

8. I often agree to meet with someone, only to find out later that I am busy at that time.

9. I am too busy to make time at day´s end to review what got done and new priorities.

10. I do not bother to name all my computer files with project, dates or key words.

You lose 2 points for engaging each of these time traps.

TOTAL POINTS: How do I waste time? _____

Figuring Your Time Quotient:

Quiz One Points: _____

Quiz Two Points: _____ (subtract)

Total Time Points: _____

What your Time Quotient score means:

If you score between 18 and 20 you are excellent at managing your time.

If you score between 10 and 16 you are like most people. Identify which of the best practices you can start using to improve your time management skills. The more you practice any working skill, the easier it feels and the greater the benefits.

If you score below 10 you will be rewarded by focusing on improving your time management skills. This includes taking care of your brain before and after you work. Sharpening your information, resources and activity management skills contributes to better time use and less stress.

For more information on painless productivity solutions see http://www.ABrainNewWaytoWork.com for free ezine and resources.

Copyright 2008 Eve Abbott All Rights Reserved