Generally, time management refers to the development of processes and tools that increase efficiency and productivity.
In business, time management has morphed into everything from methodologies such as Enterprise Resource Planning through consultant services such as Professional Organizers.
When we think of time management, however, we tend to think of personal time management, loosely defined as managing our time to waste less time on doing the things we have to do so we have more time to do the things we want to do.
Therefore, time management is often thought of or presented as a set of time management skills; the theory is that once we master the time management skills, we'll be more organized, efficient, and happier.
Personal time management skills include: goal setting; planning; prioritizing; decision-making; delegating; scheduling.
Many people find that time management tools, such as PIM software and PDAs, help them manage their time more effectively. For instance, a PDA can make it easier to schedule and keep track of events and appointments.
Whether you use technological time management tools or plain old pen and paper, however, the first step in effective time management is analyzing how you currently spend your time and deciding how you want to change how you spend your time.