Time Management Self-Assessment

Remember to answer truthfully based on your current reality—not the reality you want
for the future! Each of these statements is directly tied to a specific component of time
management (which is truly a multi-faceted skill). While some of them are also related
to communication, organization, or other professional skills, they all impact your ability
to use your time productively.

How it works: For each of the following statements, give yourself a score from 1 to 5
based on how often this statement is true for you, where:
5 = Always

4 = Usually

3 = Sometimes

2 = Seldom

1 = Never
1) I maintain a work environment that supports my productivity and doesn’t
detract from it.
2) I can quickly and easily find things I need when I need them.
3) I comfortably and confidently set boundaries when needed.
4) I am comfortable asking for the information I need to get the job done.
5) I push back on unrealistic expectations and counter with more realistic ones.
6) I know what I need to do and what deadlines I have committed to.
7) I have systems in place to remind me of my commitments.
8) I have systems in place to remind me of “open loops” that I need to check on
in the future.
9) I follow through and meet my commitments in a timely manner.
10) I use a system for managing email and other virtual correspondence and do
not let it pile up.
11) I know how long my most common tasks take to complete.
12) I can make reasonable estimates for how long unfamiliar tasks will take to
complete.
13) I understand my own natural productivity rhythms and do my best to
accommodate my needs.
14) I know where I tend to waste time most often and am careful to manage my
behaviours.
15) I know how and when to delegate appropriately.
16) I know how to determine my priorities and feel comfortable involving
management in the discussion when needed.
17) My team and I have a clear, agreed upon vocabulary for discussing
priorities.
18) I know which tasks can be strategically postponed or delayed, and which
cannot.
19) I think through the consequences of my decisions and try to minimize
negative ripple effects.
20) I know the difference between importance and urgency, and I can evaluate
my workload based on these characteristics.
21) I keep a rigorous calendaring system to manage my time-based events and
activities.
22) I am on-time for appointments and meetings.
23) I have systems to remind me of recurring tasks that take place at different
intervals (quarterly, annually, etc.).
24) I create checklists and templates for tasks I do frequently to avoid
“recreating the wheel” each time.
25) I document the steps of processes that I do infrequently so as not to forget.
26) I continuously take note of my accomplishments so I can effectively speak
about them spontaneously.
27) I set aside time to review what’s coming up and plan for the future.
28) I spend time organizing my work and keeping my systems up to date.
29) I continuously look for ways to streamline my work.
30) I have productive routines I engage in to keep me on track throughout the
day.
Results:
Scoring
Add up your scores and then see how you rate.
If you scored between 125-150: Congratulations! You are a master of time management!
Clearly, you have spent time learning how to manage time…and it’s paying off. You appear
to leverage a wide variety of productive practices. Just remember not to get complacent.
These strategies only work when you work them. It’s an ongoing effort. ANeeds are
constantly changing—what worked yesterday, might not work tomorrow.
If you scored between 90 and 124: You’re doing great! Keep learning and you’ll be a time
management master in no time!
I’m betting you’ve done a little work in this area already, and perhaps you’re starting to
experience some of the rewards. But time management is a skill that requires practice and
patience. So, keep putting in the effort! Look at the statements for which you scored the
lowest. These are the things you should focus on first. Often, small adjustments can create big
improvements! Tackle one thing at a time and you’ll be surprised how quickly things change.
If you scored below 90: You have room for improvement, my friend.
Your scores indicate that time management has not necessarily been your biggest priority in
the past.
Identify your Time Wasters & Time Stressors

Time Wasters Time Stressors

According to research, more than 40% of time is
being spent on unimportant activities. Think of
it in another way: nearly half of life goes down
the drain.

Leading to …………………………………….

Urgency Addiction
When we are faced with urgent tasks, our reactive
brain steps in. We rush doing them without much
thought. The sense of accomplishment makes us feel
extremely good. This can evolve to a real “urgency
addiction.”
What’s bad about this?
Urgent tasks are not necessarily important. We start
doing things simply because they seem to be critical.
We like feeling busy and energetic, and our brain
supports this feeling by producing dopamine. When
things calm down it turns out that we have wasted the
whole day on trivial matters.
 Stephen Covey's Time Management Matrix

Stephen Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,”

believed all tasks can be categorized based on urgency and importance.
Urgency refers to tasks that require immediate attention, while importance
focuses on tasks that align with our goals and values.

Covey’s matrix comprises four quadrants representing a different combination

of urgency and importance.

The four quadrants of the Covey matrix:

Quadrant I: This quadrant represents urgent, important tasks that demand

immediate attention. These may include deadlines, emergencies, or pressing
issues that require immediate resolution. Set clear deadlines, create action plans,
and seek support when necessary to combat the stress and pressure.

Quadrant II: This quadrant focuses on important but non-urgent tasks, including
long-term planning, relationship-building, and personal development. By
proactively planning for these activities, you can invest in your future and
improve your overall wellbeing.

Quadrant III: Tasks in this quadrant are urgent but unimportant, such as
distractions, interruptions, and unnecessary meetings. Quadrant III tasks should
be minimized to avoid wasting valuable time by setting boundaries and
practicing effective communication.
Quadrant IV: This quadrant consists of tasks that are neither urgent nor
important, like excessive social media use, idle gossip, or aimless web
browsing. These tasks decrease productivity and hinder personal growth.
 Your Time Management Matrix
Name :
Quadrant I is for the immediate and important deadlines.
Quadrant II is for long-term strategizing and development.
Quadrant III is for time pressured distractions. They are not really important,
but someone wants it now.
Quadrant IV is for those activities that yield little is any value. These are
activities that are often used for taking a break from time pressured and
important activities.

The Bottom Line: Do Important things First!

List down all the things that you must do

1. Studies
2. Submissions
Now create your Time Management Matrix in the below given
quadrants

Quadrant 1: Urgent and Quadrant 11: Not Urgent

Important but Important

Quadrant 111: Urgent but Quadrant 1V: Not Urgent

Not Important but Not Important
 Final Touch ……. Ask yourself

Thought Provoking questions on Time Management:

1) If I could only achieve one thing today, what would it be?

2) What’s the second most important thing I need to accomplish?
3) What’s the third most important?
4) What else needs to be done?
5) What could I complete today that would make me happy when
reflecting on my day?
6) If your workday was halved, what work would you complete?
7) If your workday was halved, which task/s will you eliminate from
your schedule at work would you complete?
8) What can I do that will move me closer to achieving my goals?
9) Who are the 20% of people in your life who will makes 80% of the
positive contribution?
10) Who are the 20% of people in your life who makes 80% of the
problems?
11) Are there projects or tasks that others own but I should follow up
on?
12) What key relationships in my life need my energy today?
13) What can I do today that would remove stress from my life?
14) What tasks can I delegate to someone else today?
15) Which will be that one task that I would complete to make my next
day effective?
Time is precious

Thank You