The 4D Approach to Time Management

What is urgent versus what is important is a question we face each time an email arrives, the phone rings or we go to the mail box.  In the last month two different people have talked about a theory of time management known as the 4 D's, Jennifer Britton of Potentials Realized and Jim Della Volpe of Growing Tree Partners.  The theory is based on the Jack Canfield book The Power of Focus.  I find it a succinct way to think about managing my time.

Want to get control of the "tyranny of urgency" and focus on the priorities in your business?  Follow these four steps:

1. Dump It: Learn to say "no, I choose not to do this." Be firm.
2. Delegate It:  These are tasks that need to be done, but you're not the person to do them.  Hand them over to someone else...ask, "Who else could do this?"
3. Defer It: These are issues that you do need to work on, but not right away.  Schedule a specific time at a later date to handle this type of work.
4. Do It: Do it now. Important projects need your attention right away, so get started today.  Move forward. Pursue those activities that will create income for your business and/or make it more efficient.

How do you manage time in the age of ever increasing distractions?

Susan C. Hammond
Financial Intelligence & Advisory Boards
  to Grow Your Business
www.schammond.com