Manage Your Tech Time

When we think of time management, we typically think of ways to manage our clock time. Seldom do we hear about how to manage the ubiquitous technology tools in our personal and professional lives—our computers and mobile devices. Managing technology time is an integral component of managing your time overall. Get the most from the time you spend with your computers and devices by following these suggestions.

• Use the fastest-processing machine you can afford or acquire for the type of computing work that you do. Be sure you upgrade for performance/function necessity rather than because the upgraded model is cooler than your current model.
  
• Group the same kinds of tasks together OR use a suite of products that work together. At times, working on multiple word processing or data entry tasks while your mind focuses on these types of tasks is more effective than switching gears across word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation tasks. At other times a project dictates that you perform different functions at the same time because they constitute a “natural” workflow.
• Create templates for repetitive projects.
• Use web-based applications and secure links to your computer’s data drives so that you can work from anywhere there is Internet / WiFi access. Avoid converting files across platforms.
• Be intentional with your tools. Schedule technology time, and walk away from or put devices aside when your time is up.
  

Create an image of having control of your tools rather than being possessed by them.