Time: 45 minutes

STEP 1: For one full workday, log all work-related activities in a spreadsheet, app, or notebook. Record the start and end time of each task, along with a brief description (e.g., “9:00–9:30 AM: Responded to emails,” “10:00–11:00 AM: Project planning”). Include both planned and unplanned tasks to capture a complete picture.

STEP 2: Review the logged activities and categorize them into three groups:

• Productive: Tasks that directly contribute to key goals or high-priority work (e.g., completing a project deliverable, strategic planning).
• Neutral: Necessary tasks that support work but aren’t high-impact (e.g., routine meetings, basic administrative duties).
• Unproductive: Low-value or time-wasting activities that don’t advance goals (e.g., excessive email checking, unscheduled interruptions).

Use a color-coded system (green, yellow, red) in the spreadsheet or app for clarity.

STEP 3: Highlight at least two unproductive or low-value activities that consume significant time or cause stress. Examples include:

• Checking emails or messages multiple times per hour.
• Attending non-essential meetings with no clear agenda.
• Spending excessive time on repetitive, manual tasks that could be streamlined.

STEP 4: Create a strategy to reduce or eliminate the identified time-wasting activities. Examples include:

• Set specific times for checking emails 
• Politely decline or shorten non-essential meetings, or request clear agendas in advance.
• Automate repetitive tasks using tools or delegate them to others if possible. 

Document the plan with specific actions and timelines to implement over the next week

STEP 5: Share the time audit findings and optimization plan with a trusted colleague or my manager to gain feedback. Discuss whether the identified unproductive tasks can be eliminated or reassigned and confirm alignment on priorities.