how to do a personal time audit
November 27, 2020 11:56 AM Subscribe
I'm taking a goal intensive and need to do a time audit of how I spend my time. What are some ways to do this?
The pre-course homework involves tracking behavior over time for a week in 15-30 minute increments. I've looked at some apps for Android. Most or all of it is based around business time tracking/billing, which isn't that useful for me in this scenario.
I could see having a google doc or spreadsheet open on my phone and having a timer go off periodically that would prompt me to choose or enter what I'm up to. It would be great to have an app that would pop up a notification asking 'what are you doing now?' but that's a little beyond my skill set to create this on short notice.
At the end of my audit, I should have a good record of time elapsed and the category of activity it was used for.
I'm looking for ways to make this super easy to do so I don't end up avoiding or forgetting it and ending up with not so great a result.
The pre-course homework involves tracking behavior over time for a week in 15-30 minute increments. I've looked at some apps for Android. Most or all of it is based around business time tracking/billing, which isn't that useful for me in this scenario.
I could see having a google doc or spreadsheet open on my phone and having a timer go off periodically that would prompt me to choose or enter what I'm up to. It would be great to have an app that would pop up a notification asking 'what are you doing now?' but that's a little beyond my skill set to create this on short notice.
At the end of my audit, I should have a good record of time elapsed and the category of activity it was used for.
I'm looking for ways to make this super easy to do so I don't end up avoiding or forgetting it and ending up with not so great a result.
Toggl? Available on mobile and desktop, but not free
posted by typify at 12:09 PM on November 27, 2020
posted by typify at 12:09 PM on November 27, 2020
I used ATimeLogger for tracking as you describe. Then my Android OS updated and the widget stopped working. But that was a long time ago, perhaps it is fixed now, and the app is free so no harm in trying it out.
posted by skunk pig at 12:25 PM on November 27, 2020
posted by skunk pig at 12:25 PM on November 27, 2020
You should look at materials from Laura Vanderkam.
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 1:03 PM on November 27, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 1:03 PM on November 27, 2020 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I use the free plan of Toggl Track for exactly this, it’s wonderful.
posted by third word on a random page at 1:32 PM on November 27, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by third word on a random page at 1:32 PM on November 27, 2020 [1 favorite]
Use your calendar on your phone. Fill in all of the empty space.
posted by oceanjesse at 8:01 AM on November 28, 2020
posted by oceanjesse at 8:01 AM on November 28, 2020
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 12:08 PM on November 27, 2020 [1 favorite]