Time management tools can help you to better manage whatever amount of time you have available to you, to be more productive, create more time for work or even play.

Though we all may have the same amount of time in each day or work week, we can all benefit from using our time better and the right tools to do it.

Are these tools difficult to use? Expensive? Hard to get?

Not always. In fact, some of the best tools for time management you may already have, though they may be under-utilized, not in use, or in a place you might not think about.

Here are some time management tools you can start to use right this minute, or awfully close.

First off, a simple pencil and small notepad to jot down your schedule for the day is a great start. Write down for a few days what you are doing, when, and the amount of time it takes to complete those tasks. Then, make your goal to either stick to that time, or hopefully, get faster at completing them.

You can do this with your computer if you want, but frankly, I like having the small notebook, physically writing in it, carrying it with me.

The next simple tool on our list is the “Off Button”.

Yep.

Look around at the machines that can disturb or distract you. Look for that magic button, the one that says “On/Off” and set it to the off position. This can be phones, email, other computers and applications, your door ringer, television, or whatever. Turn it off, and keep it off during the time you have set aside for being productive.

Take a peek in the kitchen and you will likely find our next key tool, a simple countdown timer. Often these are called egg timers, and they have a little “ding” that goes off when the set time is finished. Set it for however many minutes you need to complete your next task, then get busy. Try to beat the “ding”! It can make you amazingly more productive, and can even be fun, like a game.

You also should have a clock easily visible from your work station. This clock needs to have a second hand. A clock that chimes on the hour is also a good choice. This constantly reminds you that time is moving and you need to keep moving along with it.

Remember though that like all tools, having them is just not enough. You do have to use them.

Allen Williams is a professional educator, speaker and writer. Get a free subscription to the PowerMeUp Newsletter and Goal Setting and Getting Course with a bonus book for a limited time at: http://www.PowerMeUp.com Read more articles on Personal and Professional Growth and goal setting at http://www.SelfHelp.PowerMeUp.com