If you find yourself easily distracted, missing important deadlines, having the feeling you‘ll never catch up or showing up to important events late, you may need to take some steps to improve your time management skills.

Know That You Have a Problem
To Recognize that you have a time management problem is the first step to changing your behavior.   Although being late for an appointment or a social event on occasion is acceptable, it should not be happening on a regular basis.  If it is, it is time for you to realize that you may have a problem.

Decide To Change
To recognize you have a problem managing your time is important, wanting to change is even more important.  Setting goals for yourself can help to provide you with a source of motivation.  For example, tell yourself or better still, write it down, that you’re going to turning up to appointments on time and punctual to all social engagements and so forth.

Stick To Your Goals
Just setting your goals isn’t enough, you need to stick with them.  It is important that you don’t give up right away or when faced with complications.

Create Daily Task Lists
I found one of the easiest approaches to take is creating a ‘to do’ list for yourself.  Outline what you need to do throughout the day, listing your tasks in order of importance.  Stick to your list and cross off after each task is completed.

Rely On Time Management Tools
If you are a person who finds it hard to get use to properly managing your time, especially right away, you may want to consider using some tools to your advantage.  Cell phones and computers come with alarm clocks, alerts and calendars where you could enter your daily ‘to do’ list and appointments.

Learn How To Say No
Don’t take on more than you can accomplish.  There are times where you may not be able to refuse a project for work or a task at home, but do try not to take on more than you can accomplish.  If you must, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Get Organized
Organization is a key to being able to properly manage your time.  You can waste a large amount of time being unorganized.   Don’t have your surroundings in a clutter.  Make sure the tools you need to use for the day have their place and are easily accessible and replaced after use.  Stick to your ‘to do’ list.

Consider Professional Help
If you are totally overwhelmed and finding it difficult to organize yourself and time, especially at the beginning, there are individuals who specialize in coaching others, sharing time management and organization tips.  In addition to personal training or attending seminars, you can also purchase videos or cds to help you out.

Take Care
Julie ;-)