Time Audit

Aim for at least 3-5 days to get meaningful patterns, though a full week provides the most comprehensive view. Track both workdays and weekends to understand your complete time usage patterns. You can do shorter audits (1-2 days) periodically to check if your time management improvements are working.

Use a simple spreadsheet, time-tracking app, or notebook divided into 15-30 minute intervals. Record activities as they happen rather than trying to remember them later. Include both planned and unplanned activities. Note not just what you did, but also your energy level and how productive you felt during each period.

Look for patterns in how your time is spent, identifying your most and least productive hours. Calculate the percentage of time spent in different categories (work, communication, breaks, etc.). Compare your actual time usage with your priorities and goals. Identify time-wasting activities and peak productivity periods.

Use the insights to adjust your schedule, moving important tasks to your peak productivity hours. Eliminate or minimize time-wasting activities. Set realistic time estimates for tasks based on actual usage data. Create systems to prevent common time-wasting patterns. Regularly review and adjust your time management strategies based on audit results.