Time Flies When You're Having Fun... But Seriously, Where Did My Day Go?

We all feel it at times.  These positions can be life consuming and there is just never enough time to get it all finished. 

Finding ways to manage the day will help with your own personal quality of life and improve trust and satisfaction with your residents, families, and staff.  Some quick tips to consider:

1. Wield the Power of the List

• Create a central hub: Use a calendar, journal, or app to keep track of all your tasks and appointments.

• Capture everything: Carry a pen and jot down requests or ideas as they arise, then transfer them to your main list later.

  
  

2. Prioritize Like a Pro

• Urgent first: Tackle resident health changes, urgent concerns, and deadlines before anything else.

• Eat the frog: Start with the hardest or most dreaded task to get it out of the way and avoid procrastination.

  
  

3. Master the Art of Delegation (and Saying No)

• Recognize your limits: It's okay to push non-urgent tasks to the next day or week.

• Communicate clearly: If a request isn't urgent, provide a realistic timeline for follow-up.

• Avoid dismissive language: Never tell someone their request isn't a priority. Instead, reassure them that you'll address it as soon as possible.

  
  

4. Close the Loop with Follow-Up

• Always follow up: Even a quick email, text, or hallway conversation can make a big difference.

• Keep people informed: Let them know you haven't forgotten about their request and provide updates on your progress.

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Effective time management is a journey, not a destination. By implementing these strategies, you can gain control of your schedule, reduce stress, and create more space for what matters most.

Still feeling overwhelmed? We're here to help! Get in touch to explore personalized strategies for managing your time and maximizing your effectiveness as a healthcare manager.