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simply idling. At the work place too, time is wasted in rewriting letters first dictated without full facts, in waiting alongwith others for a file which should have been on the table before the conference started, in the staff interrupting too often for seeking clarification on issues which should have been elaborately explained at the start or in stretching 10 minutes coffee break to half an hour gossip or in just searching out files, papers, equipments and appliances not kept carefully.
The most painful waste of time is however on a different count and that is indecisiveness. Moving the thoughts just forth & back without settling down either on 'yes' or on 'no' is not playing a fair game with time. The art of learning to quickly choose between the alternatives is the art of all arts. To decide fast about what to do, when to do and to get into the appropriate frame of mind of productive work can only ensure proper use of time.
The examples cited above are just illustrative. A close observation of one's own habits and his own surroundings will reveal the spots responsible for waste of time affecting him.
We shall now concentrate on factors fundamental in timeplanning. The basic points are counted under:
1. Puncuality is the starting point. It means moving in harmony with the steps of time. Time does not remain in good company of those who cannot keep appointments or too often fail to maintain schedules.
2. Budgeting the daily time and allocating it to the day's work with an intention to stick to it is the second step. This done, it should be given the force of law which should not be disobeyed.
3. Planning an over-crowded day causes tension and results in early fatigue. There should be some breathing space in switching over from one job to other. This also facilitates accommodating unexpected calls & emergencies.
4. Regular daily work instils a sense of competence and confidence. This eventually results in more output and saves time.
5. One thing at a time' is the golden rule. Diversion to other matters, leaving the work in hand half-done, is the wrong way of handling the things.
6.
Priorities should be determined and urgent matters should be given the first attention. To ensure better concentration on serious matters, it however becomes advisable at times to finish easy and low-time deamding things at the start.
7. Keeping a broad general picture of the month's work and, if possible, of the year's agenda in view and long range objectives in memory eanbles unconscious mind
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to detect flaws & eliminate errors. It ensures time performance too.
8. Temptations towards too many outside interest is wrong. It is vital to eliminate the unessentials & unimportant.
9. Estangling in too much details or undue enquiries into trifles and involvement in wrong type of works or at wrong stage take heavy toll of time with little gains in return.
10. The best way to spending spare time is to devote it to certain works of art or beauty or usefulness so that one satisfies not only one's creative urge but also produces something of value to the society. Four Five hours a week taken from frivolous pursuits and profitably employed would enable any man of ordinary capacity to master a complete science.
11. Reading self-development-course books enhances knowledge and experience which can act as a true guide in all spheres through out life. Acquiring diversified knowledge in spare moments and learning from the wisdom of others is like putting money in bank. Some day it yields a rich harvest.
12. Terminating overlong conversations, lengthy interviews and unnecessary interruptions without this being felt by the person involved is a skill to be perfected. Not allowing others to steal our time is important and so also is to cut down self-inflicted interruptions.
13. Effective time-management requires a certain amount of knowledge about the work one is engaged in. Also knowing one's own limitations in terms of resources, time & energy helps not going stray and awry. The work should be planned within these limitations. It is no use making grandiose plans which can never be put into effect.
14. Ensuring right infrastructure and proper arrangements that permit uninterrupted concentration during the period of actual work immensely saves time, labour and cost. Time honours those who honour the time.
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