Are You Using a Time Log Yet?

I admit it -I have resisted the use of time logs for years. I always knew I could make better use of my time and become much more productive as a result.

But I had never actually done it.

I mean, I knew first-hand the concept could work because several years ago I lost nearly 20 pounds by keeping a very detailed food and exercise log. Not only did this process show me what I was doing wrong (and right!), but knowing I had to write down the choices I made served as a great motivator for me to make better choices.

When it came to how I use my time, however – I think I was afraid of what I might find…

Today, you can count me among the converted. Yesterday, I wrote about how much more efficient I have become by keeping a detailed Action List by my computer as a constant reminder of what I need to accomplish every single day. Keeping a detailed account of how I spend my working hours has been extremely valuable, as well.

Turns out I was right to be worried about what I might find…  but if you don’t know what is broke, how can you possibly fix it? Taking a hard and honest look at how I was using (squandering?) my most valuable resource was an eye opener – and has led to some significant and positive changes.

Keeping a time log is not a high-tech affair:

Just pull out a regular piece of paper and start recording your activities from the moment you start your day. Be brutally honest. No one has to see this except for you. So, if you spend 45 minutes reading through emails and browsing the Internet looking for “inspiration” – write it down. If you catch yourself staring out the window day dreaming for 20 minutes – record it. If your dog runs in the house after being sprayed by a  skunk and you spend the next 2 hours dealing with it (true story – still dealing with it, in fact.  One of the many, many joys of working from a home office! ) – you guessed it – account for it.

Do this for an entire week – or however long it takes you to get a really good feel for how you are spending your time. Not only will you gain a lot of insight into where you can make improvements, but you will also capture how much time you are spending “on task.”

I found I spend a lot more time researching and writing for certain types of projects than others – and realized I need to either a) charge more for the more time-intensive projects or b) market more for the work that is more profitable. So, not only did keeping a time log point out where I could become more productive and efficient, it also has given me ideas to make my business more profitable.

So, if you aren’t already keeping track of how you spend your time – today, I challenge you to do so. If you are already doing so – would love to hear what has worked for you!

Til Next Time,

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