HELPFUL TIPS
By
Shirley Andrews
President, WRCA
Helpful Tips for the New Year
If you are like me, it seems like there is never enough time during the school-day to accomplish everything that I wanted to get done. Let's face it; counselors are busy people with a lot of responsibilities. As I begin each new school year, I tend to think of ways to improve my efficiency and effectiveness. Recently, I read an article with tips for making the most of one's time. I decided to share some of those tips with you.
1. Make a to-do list. On a sheet of paper make two columns. In column "1" list the tasks that you must get done. In column "2" list the tasks you would like to accomplish. Keep your list up-to-date as a steady reminder.
2. Do that dreaded task first. Get those nasty jobs out of the way so that you don't have to think about them. You will feel energized knowing that you have those tasks done.
3. Stay focused. Work on one task at a time until you complete it. Don't budge. Force yourself to work on that task and keep working until it's done. Even getting up and getting a cup of coffee can distract you and delay your progress.
4. Use every minute. Instead of sitting idly and waiting for your computer to boot up, use that time. Prepare a list of tasks that can be accomplished in a short amount of time. In 5 minutes you can make a dentist appointment, in 30 minutes or less you can write a thank-you note.
5. Perfectionist, this one is for you. Not every task requires perfection. Try to focus on getting things done. Set a time limit for accomplishing tasks.
6. It's OK to say NO. Give yourself five minutes to think before saying yes to a request. Give careful thought to taking on another responsibility.
7. Be repetitive. Come up with a standard way of doing something and then repeat it. It saves a great deal of time when you don't have to come up with a new idea. For example, find a wedding gift or shower gift that you like. Then give that as a standard gift.
8. Keep a shopping list. Have an on-going list with you at all time. Then when you are at the mall or supermarket, you know what it is you need to purchase. This will save you several trips to the store.
9. Restrict your surfing. Set a time limit for your internet browsing.
10. Encourage email correspondence, which is more efficient. Your phone message can remind callers that you can be reached by email, then provide them with your email address
I hope you can use one or two of these tips. Have a productive year.