Breaking up the Tasks 2Breaking up the Tasks 2 The trick to making a bigger task seem The trick to making a bigger task seem

more manageable is to:more manageable is to:o Break it up into smaller partsBreak it up into smaller partso Do the smaller tasks one at a timeDo the smaller tasks one at a timeo Plan each small task as a separate taskPlan each small task as a separate task However, when you break up a large or However, when you break up a large or

complicated task, you still need to keep complicated task, you still need to keep your overall goal in mindyour overall goal in mind..

TIME-WASTERSTIME-WASTERS

Time-wasters are things that prevent Time-wasters are things that prevent you from getting on with your tasks. you from getting on with your tasks. You should always try to minimise You should always try to minimise their effect on your work.their effect on your work.

Here are some strategies for dealing Here are some strategies for dealing with Four of the most common time-with Four of the most common time-wasters.wasters.

TIME-TIME-WASTERWASTER

STRATEGIESSTRATEGIES

InterruptionsInterruptions Know your priorities.Know your priorities.

Sometimes an interruption is important. It may be Sometimes an interruption is important. It may be worth your attention at the time, particularly if worth your attention at the time, particularly if you can deal with a situation quickly or avoid a you can deal with a situation quickly or avoid a more complicated situation later on. But be more complicated situation later on. But be careful – do not be sidetracked.careful – do not be sidetracked.

DisorganisationDisorganisation Stay organised.Stay organised.

Keep up-to-date with filing. Keep your desk and Keep up-to-date with filing. Keep your desk and drawers in order. This makes it easier to find drawers in order. This makes it easier to find something when you need it.something when you need it.

ProcrastinationProcrastination Putting off a task because it seems too difficult or Putting off a task because it seems too difficult or you don’t enjoy it.you don’t enjoy it.

Start with something easy or enjoyable. Then Start with something easy or enjoyable. Then move onto the harder tasks.move onto the harder tasks.

Lack of Lack of ConcentrationConcentration

Take a short break.Take a short break.

There are sometimes distractions in the workplace There are sometimes distractions in the workplace over which you have no control, e.g. noise, over which you have no control, e.g. noise, lightning. A short break every couple of hours will lightning. A short break every couple of hours will refresh your mind and help you stay focused on refresh your mind and help you stay focused on your task.your task.

QuestionQuestion

Answer the following questionsAnswer the following questions

a. What are some of the time-wasters a. What are some of the time-wasters you encounter?you encounter?

b.b. In a paragraph describe the time-In a paragraph describe the time-saving devices or planning tools you saving devices or planning tools you will use to complete your tasks will use to complete your tasks efficientlyefficiently

c.c. Swap with the person next to you Swap with the person next to you and compare your answers and compare your answers