By using a time management log you will learn how to have a more balanced life. It will answer questions such as where do you spend your time? When are you most alert? What do you procrastinate about?
The best thing about a time journal is that it gives you back control over your life. The idea is to record what you do so you can learn what things you are currently spending your time on. It is not complicated, or hard to learn how to use. A simple notepad and pen will do the trick!
The best log will be simple and will be easy to keep at hand. As your day goes on, write down what you’re doing. That’s all. Don’t try to remember back at the end of the day, write down what you’re doing as the day happens. Note your work and interruptions, home and recreation time. The shortest amount of time to keep a log, to be effective, is three days. Try to keep one going for a week as that will give you a more complete picture of what you’re doing over time.
At the end of the day, if you don’t use your time management log -no-one is going to use it for you. To make the most of it, keep writing in it for the 3 or 7 days. If you want to include more details you could color code your time journal, or use an “A, B, C” priority system.
You can also note how you feel about various tasks, especially during work hours. You can also note when you are just killing time. Note when you are most productive. What are the circumstances for each? Identify your problem areas and the times when you are doing well.
A time management log is a big picture exercise. On completion you should have an eagles eye view of how you are spending your time, so it will be easier to then plan how you really want to spend it. Use your time journal to take back control of your life.