TERRE HAUTE —
Do you feel like you are overwhelmed constantly? Do you feel you jump from one task to another and miss deadlines? Are you guilty of over promising and under delivering? Every time you turn around, do you feel like you are in the midst of a crisis? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may need to review how you manage your time. Time management is critical not just to employees but also to business owners.
Effective time management has direct benefits. For example, by leveraging your work load correctly, time management can increase productivity and decrease stress levels associated with work. In addition, it can make us happier when we go to work and enjoy those we work with more. Listed below are some helpful tips to help you in managing your time a bit better.
1. Have a “to-do” list. For example, my “to-do” list is arranged by the time of the day. I begin with checking emails, voicemails, etc. Then I move on to client meetings and finally work on reports and other projects that are in the funnel with deadlines looming in the near future. By doing this, projects and reports are submitted either prior to the deadline or on the actual day.
2. Prioritize. My “to-do” list is also a way I prioritize my work load. You should determine the most productive part of your day. For me, I am an early bird and I work best early in the morning up until approximately 4 p.m. This permits me to also focus on important items of my day and how to complete them in the most efficient way.
3. Set goals. It is important to also set personal goals. This will give you something to strive toward and permits you to achieve intrinsic rewards and satisfaction.
4. Manage your distractions and keep them to a minimum. Many of you probably keep an open door policy, which is a great practice. But sometimes it is all right to close your door to finish up an important project.
5. Procrastination and taking on too much can be trouble. First, I would like to say it is all right to say “no” to something and also to delegate projects (as applicable) to your colleagues and employees. This will help limit any procrastination. We all procrastinate, but keep it to a true minimum.
6. Learn “the art of multi-tasking” and take breaks. It is imperative that you understand how to juggle many projects and tasks at one time. That doesn’t mean you have be at the same level of progression in each of them, but don’t wait until the last minute to get started. And finally, take a break. Your brain and your body need to rejuvenate some. Go for a walk. Grab an apple. Just breathe and relax. This will also bring you back with more energy and focus, therefore increasing productivity.
As you can see, time management involves not only these points, but so many more. Each one of us is different, so come up with a combination that is effective for you and your work environment. Good luck!
Heather (Penney) Strohm is the regional director for Indiana State University’s Indiana Small Business Development Center.
Business
Business Cents: Are you putting out fires too frequently?
- Business
-
-
22-hospital St. Vincent Health cutting jobs
INDIANAPOLIS — One of Indiana’s largest health systems says it’s cutting an undisclosed number of jobs by June 30 because of increasing economic and competitive pressure on the health care industry.
-
Duke Energy gives $10K to Wabash Valley Red Cross for Vigo flood relief
Duke Energy is giving $10,000 to the Wabash Valley Red Cross chapter for flood relief from this spring’s heavy rains.
-
‘500’ gas stations being sold to Speedway LLC
After several decades in business, the area’s familiar “500” gasoline stations and convenience stores will soon be missing from the roadsides of Vigo and Sullivan counties.
-
Business Cents: Customers and companies: Sugar goes further than vinegar
Working with companies for more than decade I am still shocked to learn how not only companies react to customers but also how rude customers can be to companies.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: Can’t work because of disability? Let us help
Disability is something most people don’t like to think about. But if you’re not able to work because you have a disabling condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death, then it’s a subject you may not be able to avoid.
-
Naysayers should treat good news as good news
I like to complain as much as anybody else. In truth, I may do more than my share of finding fault and wagging a finger in warning. Nonetheless, I’m tired of commentators (including many economists) who find nothing good and only the darkest clouds for the past few months.
-
All mothers appreciate extra help
Think of all the times and ways that your mom has helped you over the years — when you were a child, and after you became an adult. With Mother’s Day upon us, now is a good time to pay mom back with a little Extra Help — with her Medicare prescription drug costs.
-
Upcoming meetings
The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce is hosting a health care reform seminar for businesses from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Old National Insurance at 925 Wabash Ave., suite 200.
-
Indiana ranked best place to do business in Midwest
Indiana was ranked as the best place to do business in the Midwest and the fifth best nationwide in a survey of more than 500 chief executives by Chief Executive magazine.
-
First Farmers rated among top 100 community banks
First Farmers Bank & Trust of Converse was named one of the 100 top-performing community banks for 2012 by SNL Financial.
-
Newsmakers: May 12, 2013
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve has recognized John Thompson, president of Thompson Thrift Construction, and Paul Thrift, president of Thompson Thrift Development, as “Patriotic Employers.”
-
On the Move: May 12, 2013
Stacey Joseph, a realtor in Terre Haute, has earned the Certified Residential Specialist designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.
-
Chamber lauds four with Business Recognition Awards
Congratulations to our Business Recognition Awards winners! Our Awards Luncheon at the Meadows Banquet and Conference Center was a great event to wrap up Business Recognition Week, sponsored by Union Hospital. At the Luncheon we recognized four local businesses as the 2012 Business Recognition Award winners:
-
ISU students provide detailed grocery analysis
As the National Cooperative Grocers Association makes business decisions in the coming years, the organization likely will take into account an analysis of some of its competitors – about 4,000 of them.
-
Construction firm holding grand opening in Marshall on Friday
Construction, H&H LLC is holding a grand opening and Marshall Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday at 812 N. Second St. in Marshall, Ill.
-
AP Source: Subaru to expand Indiana plant
Subaru plans to expand its Indiana factory and add workers to build the Impreza small car in 2016, a person briefed on the matter says.
-
Transit proposals can prove to be game changers
After baseball, my favorite TV watching is the government channel. Here I can see the local government in action or local government inaction.
-
On the Move: May 5, 2013
Melissa Schollaert, RDH, HHP, has been added as a counselor of holistic health and nutrition at The Maple Center for Integrative Health.
-
ISU set to offer financial planning program in 2014
When Indiana State University junior Jennifer Groth began scheduling classes last semester, she planned them out by thinking of an academic program the university does not yet offer. Groth will be one of the inaugural students in the financial planning program that ISU will begin to offer in spring 2014.
-
Newsmaker: May 5, 2013
Gov. Mike Pence announced the appointment of Jessica Robertson to commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration, a role she will begin on Wednesday.
-
U.S. Postal Service opens village office in Worthington
The U.S. Postal Service officially opened the 40th Village Post Office in the Greater Indiana District on Monday in Worthington.
-
How consistent is your business?
There are six areas in which consistency is critical in the majority of companies. Too often, business owners feel as they are “chasing down” rather than “leading it along.” If you can get a high level of consistency with your standards and practices, then your company will benefit.
-
Good time to try Spanish online service
Cinco de Mayo is May 5 — a time to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride. Why not join the celebration by visiting Social Security’s Spanish website, where you’ll find a number of useful services and a wealth of information in Spanish.
-
First Financial’s net income up 3 percent
First Financial Corp. has announced results for its quarter that ended March 31. The Corp.’s net income increased 3.4 percent to $7.7 million, compared to $7.4 million for the same period of 2012.
-
Curtain goes up on new theater owner
The Indiana Theatre in downtown Terre Haute is under new ownership with a new purpose.
-
Indiana Theatre SOLD!
The Indiana Theatre at 683 Ohio St. is sold.
Rob Lundstrom, who owns the Copper Bar and Louise’s, took possession of the historic downtown theatre on April 25. -
Higher education completion rates questioned
Spring is really here. Baseball is being played, the Cubs are already tragic and Faye of the Forest reappeared on the back deck. She was parked on the railing as I sat down to write this column.
-
Vectren Corp. awards $2.3 million in grants
Vectren Corp. has announced that it awarded more than $2.3 million in 2012 through the Vectren Foundation and corporate contributions.
-
Hard work, good attitude produces success
Like clockwork, Indiana State University graduate Joe Evelo regularly provides monthly updates to the first client he signed up when he started his financial investment career more than 35 years ago.
-
On the move: April 28, 2013
Old National Bank has promoted Howard Mills to vice president, mortgage loan originator.
- More Business Headlines
-
22-hospital St. Vincent Health cutting jobs
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Oklahoma Family Reflects on Lost Son
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
