Time Management Strategies

Time Management strategies may be broken down into a number of different types of time management. People tend to manage their time in a number of different ways - some prefer a list based approach; others work with diaries and calendars, while others take their time management even beyond this. In this article we will discuss different time management strategies and their principles.

Reminder-Based Time Management Strategies

Reminder-based time management strategies are those strategies which purely depend on a to-do list and other lists and papers to remind you of what you are need to do. People who use a reminder-based time management strategy don't tend to use diaries and calendars and write down very few, if any, firm appointments. If appointments are set then they will be added to the day's to-do list for that day. There is no schedule and these people take life as it comes, just ensuring that they complete their task list.

Planning and Preparation Time Management Strategies

Planning and Preparation time management strategies are slightly more advanced then the simple reminder-based time management strategies and makes use of calendars, diaries and appointment books. People who use this time management strategy put appointments in their appointment books or diaries, and set goals. They spend more time planning and preparing the use of their time.

Third Generation Time Management Strategies

This is based on Stephen Covey's classification of time management strategies into different generations. The third generation time management strategy takes the planning and preparation time management strategy a step further and includes planning, prioritizing, and controlling. People who used third generation time management strategies will spend time daily prioritizing their task list, and will spend more time in clarifying their values and priorities. They make use of more intricate computer-based or paper-based organizer systems in order to manage their time.

Efficient Time Management Strategies (Fourth Generation)

Once again this time management strategy approach is based on the work of Stephen Covey. People who use fourth generation time management strategies focus on being efficient and pro-active. They minimize the "important and urgent" activities in their lives by completing important activities in good time and not allowing their activities to control them but by taking better control of their activities and time management.

Time Management Strategies and Personality

Although Stephen Covey's time management strategies' classification tends to favor fourth generation time management strategies, which time management strategy you use will probably be determine to a large extent by your type of personality. If you are a person who likes to "go with the flow", and are very laid back and relaxed then fourth generation time management strategies may just seem too complex and not really worth it for you. If you are a highly goal-oriented A-type personality then fourth generation time management strategies may be vital for your fulfillment of all your tasks and appointments. People also fall between these extremes of personality and so different generations of time management strategies will suit different people better.

Each of these time management strategies becomes more and more complex and what time management strategy a person uses is often based around their personality type. Some people may not wish to control their time as strictly as the fourth generation time management strategies propose although this may be the most efficient, for others fourth generation time management strategies may be vital for ensuring that all tasks are completed properly and on time. Whatever time management strategy you use it is important that you do manage your time in some way to ensure that you complete all necessary tasks and do not miss any important appointments.