Chess Timer: Track Productivity

Enhance Your Efficiency with Green and Red Time Management

Introduction: Time is a precious commodity. As a residential mortgage loan officer, I’ve discovered a unique approach to managing my day effectively – using a digital chess timer. (Amazon: Digital Chess Clock) This simple yet powerful tool has revolutionized the way I allocate my time between client interactions (green time) and administrative tasks (red time).

The Concept: Owning three digital chess timers – one for home, one for the office, and another for the car – might seem unconventional, but it serves a crucial purpose. It’s not about working longer; it’s about working smarter. The philosophy is simple: it’s not the quantity of work; it’s the quality. The timer raises awareness of how we spend our time, leading to improved efficiency and productivity.

The Journey: My journey with the digital chess timer began with a modest 30-minute setting. I vividly remember a colleague, Joe G, confidently moonwalking out of the office as soon as the red time started ticking. It was a moment of revelation – the timer was shaping behavior without conscious effort.

Understanding Green and Red Time: Green Time: This is the time dedicated to client interactions – phone calls, meetings, and any task that directly contributes to building relationships.

Red Time: Everything else falls into this category – paperwork, emails, social media interactions, business planning, coaching sessions, and more.

Tips for Effective Use:

1. Consistency is Key: Maintain a consistent approach to using the timer.

1. Pause for Personal Activities: Pause the timer for personal breaks, lunch, or any non-work-related activities.

1. Pro Tips: Consider tracking gold time (high-value tasks) within your green time. Use a worksheet to monitor your results.

1. Set Rewards: Establish personal rewards for achieving specific time-related goals. For example, take a day off if you hit a certain number of hours.

Proactive Approach: Action Item: Begin by tracking your activities for 30 days without changing anything. This will serve as your benchmark. Afterward, proactively work to increase your green time per week. Subconscious changes may occur, enhancing your overall behaviors.

Accountability Matters: Consider engaging friends, colleagues, or a coach in this time-tracking journey. Statistics show that you’re 7X more likely to achieve your goals when you have someone else holding you accountable.

Conclusion: In the realm of residential mortgage lending, success isn’t just about hard work; it’s about strategic time management. The digital chess timer has become my ally in this quest, and I challenge you to embark on this journey too. Start tracking your time, observe the patterns, and witness the positive impact on your productivity and results. Remember, you’re in competition with yourself, and this simple tool can be a game-changer in your professional life.