Figuring out how to get everything done in a limited amount of time can be a major source of stress. Fortunately, it is possible to learn how to manage time effectively. When you're focused on trying to improve your time management skills, you may find time management charts to be helpful tools for boosting your productivity and wellbeing.
The seven printable time management charts provided below can help you figure out where you are spending your time as well as offer a framework for organizing the many tasks you need to accomplish. Use them as worksheets to take control of your schedule and stay on track.
7 Printable Time Management Charts
To access any of the printable time management charts in this article, simply click the image for the document that you're interested in. When you do that, a PDF document will open in a separate tab or window. Use the menu commands to print as many blank charts as you need. You can save them to your computer and fill them out electronically, or print and complete by hand. If you need help downloading the charts, check out these helpful tips.
1. Time Tracking Chart
The time tracking chart below is designed to help you figure out where you spend your time. Fill in general descriptions of what you spend time on throughout the day, including sleeping, working, entertainment, family time, etc. Commit to filling out one of these charts daily for at least a week. Once you do this, you'll begin to see patterns emerge. Once you see where you are spending too much time, you can use time management tips and strategies to make better time allocation decisions.
2. Daily Duties Chart
Make a definitive list of the tasks that you have to complete every day using this daily duties chart below. Don't just write a description of the task. It's important to also record the time you completed each one. This will help you identify patterns and make scheduling decisions.
3. Daily Priorities Chart
Use the planning worksheet below as a tool to set your priorities for each day. To complete this chart, you will need to identify the most important tasks you need to accomplish that day and work them into your schedule. This way, you can be sure that you have a plan to tackle the highest priority items on your to-do list.
4. Task Grouping Chart
Organizing the tasks on your to-do list into categories by type is a good way to gain perspective on the tasks you need to accomplish. This worksheet can help you get a sense of whether your life is characterized by work-life balance or if one aspect of your life may be getting so much of your attention and time that the others may be suffering.
5. Weekly Planning Chart
Use this chart to plan and schedule your workday and weekend activities. Using this tool will allow you to set appointments for important activities, as well as give you insight into where you have opportunities for "down" time to use to relax or get caught up.
6. Monthly Planning/Scheduling Chart
Use this blank calendar to create your own monthly scheduling tool. Prent several calendars so you can schedule several months in advance. Start by recording major activities for the current month, then prepare calendars for future months to use as long-term planning guides.
7. Future Planning Chart
You may not be able to fit all of your goals into your schedule over the next few months. That's what the future planning worksheet below is for. Use it to record tasks that you either need or want to accomplish in the not-too-distant future. As appropriate, work these activities into your short-term planning charts so you can make progress toward accomplishing them.
Take Control of Your Time
While there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to getting a handle on time management, the worksheets above can be helpful tools for anyone who's looking to figure out where their time goes and how to make the most of their time. Choose the charts that make the most sense for your needs and you'll be on your way to maximizing your time and gaining a degree of control over your busy schedule.
