What is the first step in effective time management?

Taking an inventory of how time is spent is the foundational step in effective time management because it provides essential insights into personal habits and behaviors. This self-assessment allows individuals to identify how much time they devote to different activities, helping to highlight areas where time may be wasted or misallocated. Understanding current time usage lays the groundwork for making informed decisions about where improvements can be made, which is necessary before moving on to goal setting, task prioritization, or creating a to-do list. It's a crucial part of developing an effective strategy that aligns with one's objectives, enabling more strategic planning and execution of tasks moving forward.