Yesterday we suggested keeping a time log as a tool for improving time management.

Step two is to evaluate it:

• What activities or individuals are demanding the most of your time? Are there patterns?

• What interruptions are you experiencing?

• What time of day are you most and least productive?

• What are your procrastination patterns?

The "fires" consuming time are activities that are both urgent and important. Evaluate the fires you recorded in your time log for patterns. Devise a system to catch them early or prevent them in the future. By attending to important activities before they become urgent, stress decreases and productivity increases.

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