Time Management
What's Involved in Time Management?
Planning
Every well-done job involves some sort of planning, even if it is just sorting
it out in your mind.
What tasks need to be done?
When do they need to be done?
What do I need for each task?
How much time will each task take?
Make a 'To Do' list for daily, weekly, monthly tasks and place it on the fridge
or in another visible location.
Prioritizing
Some tasks are more important than others. We need to decide which tasks need
to be done 1st, 2nd, and so on. For example, is it more important to get litter
boxes cleaned or to hand feed a sick fuzzy? The litter boxes will wait but the
fuzzy can't. In all prioritizing put the welfare of the ferrets first.
Organizing
To make a task flow easily you'll want all your supplies close at hand. This
may include non-toxic cleaners, clean rags, litter scoops, trash containers,
and food containers in each room they are needed. It's much easier to
accomplish a task when you aren't running back and forth from room to room to
gather supplies.
Tips
- Place shelving directly on walls for storage space away from the ferrets.
- Use a small trash can or popcorn tin in each room, with a plastic bag
inside to dump waste and litter. Be sure to keep the lid on tight to avoid
odors and spills. Every couple of days change bags.
- Popcorn tins work well to store clean litter too.
- When changing litter, spritz litter boxes with vinegar water and dry with
paper towels or wipe them with moistened antibacterial wipes.
- Clean one room at a time. Stay focused.
- For large and time consuming tasks, tackle them in manageable parts.
- Avoid excess clutter. If you aren't going to use it, store it out of the
way in a closet or shed, NOT in your pathway.
The Positive Way
A positive attitude goes a long way. Set realistic goals, not one's that you
are bound to fail.
Energy levels vary throughout the day. Do as much as you can when your energy
is high. The more you do now, the less you have to do later! Save less vigorous
tasks for when your energy is lower.
Feeling overwhelmed? It's time to reevaluate your tasks. Perhaps some daily
tasks could be done every other day, weekly or monthly.
Concentrate on results. Take time to survey and be proud of your results!
Take time to have fun! Tickle a fuzzy, hug and cuddle. Play and giggle!
Using Time Wisely
Use distractions to your advantage. Use a cordless phone and talk while you
work. You'll be surprised how quickly your tasks are completed!
Do you have something that can be done while you watch your favorite TV show
(mending, folding laundry, hand feeding or TLC for the little ones)?
Combine tasks when possible. Can you do grocery shopping, pick up medications
at the pharmacy and pick up supplies from the vet on one run? Make a list so you
don't forget something!
Do you work out of the home? Save evening time by running errands on your lunch
hour or right after work on the way home.
Mix relaxation and work. Listen to audio books or relaxation CD's while you work.
Not enough hours in the day? Try getting up 1/2 hour earlier. Start slow, perhaps
10 minutes earlier for a few days, then 15 minutes, then 20, then 30. Yes, it'll
be difficult at first but it does get easier. Once you've reached the 30 minute
earlier time limite, in one week you gain 3 1/2 hours!
In a month you gain 15+!! In a year you gain 182 1/2 hours!!!!
Sometimes you need to take a break. When you feel frustrated, angry or overwhelmed,
take a few minutes to relax, take a walk or a hot bath.
Avoid Major Stress
Negativity causes stress, fatigue and procrastination. Procrastination causes
tasks to go unfinished or not be done at all. Keep a positive attitude!
No one is perfect. Realize that you are human and can only do so much. Know
your limitations and try not to exceed them. If you are overwhelmed, ask for
help!
If you can't make a meeting or keep a commitment, don't sweat it. Let them
know in as much time as possible. If they don't understand, it's their problem,
not yours. Keep YOUR priorities straight.
Avoid excessive clutter. Paperwork can be neatly packed in storage containers
and stacked in closets or sheds. It's much easier to get tasks done when you
aren't constantly stepping around piles of clutter!
Arrange furniture and cages so they are easy to clean in and around. Keep rooms
as open as possible.
Time Equation
Hours sleep a night ______ x 7 = ____
Hours day personal hygiene ______ x 7 = ____
Hours day for meals ______ x 7 = ____
Hours a day work/school ______ x 7 = ____
Hours a day travel ______ x 7 = ____
Weekly hours for errands ____
Weekly hours socializing ____
Total hours filled ____
168 (total hours in a week) minus total hours = ______
This is the number of hours in a week you have available to devote to ferret
care!