There are a few things you can do to track your time and make sure you’re spending the right amount of it. Here are a few tips:

  1. Make a list of all the tasks you need to complete in order to meet your goal. This will help you stay on track and avoid wasting time on tasks that don’t have an immediate impact.
  2. Set a timer for a specific amount of time and work on one task for that amount of time. This will help you stay focused and avoid wasting time on tasks that don’t have an immediate impact.
  3. Use tools like Google Calendar or Apple Calendar to keep track of your work schedule and progress. This will help you stay organized and know when you’re close to your goal.

Earlier this week we asked you to share your favorite time tracking tips, tricks, and tools. Now we’re back to highlight the techniques HTG readers use to keep tabs on their time.

While more than one of you expressed confusion over the idea of tracking how you spend all your time, many of you were more than happy to share the reasons for and the methods you use to stay on top of your time expenditures.

Scott uses a fluid and flexible project management tool:

While the above description might make it sound really technical, we took the cloud-based app for a spin and found the interface to be very flexible and easy to use.

Samon53 offered up detailed explanation of how they’ve combated their procrastination tendencies:

Chester H was one of several readers who used Time Tracker:

Having actually realised the extent of the problem I have started drawing up more charts and timetables and making the activities in them extremely specific so as to really prompt you to get on with them. If you put just a generic activity like work you are never going actually react to a notification about it I go. Start off by assigning work periods for different tasks, breaks etc. then add in further details when you break off working for next time. Try actually specifying the exact task you are going to do.

I draw up charts for work to do lists and timetables for different time periods. One application I used was RescueTime which tracks all of your web use and categorises it. While useful for data it did not really help me in actually saving time, though it may be more effective for some and they do offer a pro service. I find it sometimes provides false reassurement as you tend to assign task that are still useful but not your main goal as productive.

I use Google Calendar with notification on both my phone and PC (Checker Plus for Chrome is extremely Good for this.

I have an extremely reliable watch with both analogue and digital displays with all the bells and whistles but for -when I got it at least- a very reasonable price £22.

I have set-up two computers next to each other one for work one for play the work one with multiple monitors (I’m thinking of trying RescueTime again and setting it up to only allow work). Context for Chrome is great for setting choosing just the applications that you need so as not be distracted by new emails feeds or add-ons etc.

I also multi-task a lot washing up or cleaning why not watch a TV program or radio that you were planning on watching show on-demand so as not to be distracted by watching it later when working. Try not to do thinking work (for me Games Design) and entertainment at the same time it just makes you less productive and more distracted.

I’m a heavy sleeper myself so have three different alarm clocks letup- a Teas-made, Dawn light, and maths puzzle. If you can limit your sleep to the minimum your body will allow without feeling tired you can save a lot of time. I have recently embarked on a new fitness regime to help reduce my sleep time.

Finally working as a group can really benefit some people I find myself a lot less distracted if everyone one around me is working. Procrastinators Anonymous is a good group for support which I’m just starting to use.

In conclusion there are loads of ways to improve your productivity even if like me you find procrastination the Bane of your life. I’m still only part way through The Procrastination Equation so still have not found all the ways that can help me improve, I have only recently started to really fight my procrastination (and am currently still unproductive) and expect to learn more ways to win, so watch this space.

For more time tracking tips and application suggestions, hit up the full comment thread here.