When grocery shopping, you have the choice of paper or plastic grocery bags. Paper used to be the most common. Now plastic has taken its place. Most people use plastic because that is what is offered. However, you can still get paper and some people prefer that option. Then there are the few who bring their own environmentally-friendly cloth bags to the grocery store every week.

What does this have to do with time management? Really... nothing... except the analogy that even though times have changed the options, the choices are still yours to make. What works for someone else may not work for you.

Modern technology has provided a multitude of time management tools for each of us to use. Paper products such as wall calendars, desk calendars, spiral bound planners and loose-leaf organizers are still very popular options. Over time, PC software tools, website utilities, PDAs and even cell phones have joined in the possibilities. The options are virtually endless. Explore these tools and determine which one, or combination, fits your individual needs.

Scheduling of your time for optimum productivity also presents many options. Consider how and when you work at your best. Are you the type that gets more done when you start a task and stick to with it all day long without distraction? (Is the lack of distraction even possible?) Or do you prefer to complete a big project in smaller steps and do multiple, different tasks in one day? Some people are more productive in the morning, while others work late into the night. Which one are you? Figure out what works best for you and then plan accordingly.

In order to effectively manage your time, you need to choose what tools and management style work for you as an individual. Trying to do it someone else's way is like trying to put a square peg in a round hole and will only lead to an overwhelming feeling of chaos. Doing it your way, believe it or not, could actually make scheduling a little more... fun!