Time Management Tips
Time. No matter how you choose to look at it, there’s only 24 hrs in every day so how on earth can we get everything done?
If you’ve ever felt a little overwhelmed with the pace of technology, you’re not alone. Whether it’s school, work or even family, it doesn’t take long with todays hectic pace to start feeling like you’re falling behind.
Recently, during research (yes, we research these posts), I read an article about an executive getting so deeply involved in multitasking that he completely forgot the appointment his Outlook calendar reminded him of just 15 minutes earlier. Ever sound familiar?
So, time management – whether you know it or not, you’re already doing it! In fact, we all are to some degree every day. A cornerstone of professional development, time management is both a learned and practical skill. One that is in increasingly higher demand as many struggle just to keep up with the pace of todays’ business world.
Here’s 7 Time Management Tips for handling those crazy workloads !
1. Use one Master Planner, be it a day planner, Siri, or even a whiteboard in the office. Everything then gets listed on this one visual medium. More of a tech geek? That’s okay, stay current by just snapping a pic before you leave the office for meetings etc. This way you’ll always have a handy pocket reference to refer back to. By so doing, you’re also incorporating visual reminders into your repertoire – a good thing! If you have a smart phone, simply set a reminder ahead of upcoming meetings or appointments ahead of time.
2. Make a start on any assignment or new work project as soon as you get it. Even if you get no farther than the headline or a single paragraph, it’s still headway. And in so doing, subconsciously the task will not seem as daunting when the time comes to carry on or complete the work (it’s a mind thing…).
3. Limit distractions! When the time comes to work, then work! Turn that smart phone off – it’s okay, you can do it! In todays constantly disruptive environment it’s a wonder any of us get anything done. Make a simple time commitment, even if only 30 minutes and focus 100% on the task at hand during that time. If it’s hustle & bustle of the house that you’re finding disruptive, head for that favourite coffee shop where white noise is the norm or maybe even the local library – Ssshh!!!
4. Large projects or tasks can suck! Admit the simple fact that you cannot do everything at once. Even the biggest of projects can be broken down into smaller pieces and then just commit the time you have to complete that one piece. No-one is keeping score on you here. Even if you can only manage 30-45 mins at a time, it’s still progress and ultimately, when all the pieces come together, you’ve completed the full task. One step at a time right?
5. Keep a current to-do list. Yes, it may sound silly but again it’s a mindset thing. If you have a clear to do list, simply check off items as you go and you’ll immediately begin seeing your progress towards your goal. Also, in checking them off, you’ll get that sense of achievement. It may sound minor or even a little corny perhaps but it’s important to feel good about the work we do. So, good for you!
6. Prioritize the work you have. It’s okay to say No to things that are not urgent. Often we have this inner desire to try to please everyone and in the productivity phase of things, this will only lead to spreading yourself too thin. Be selfish! Take on only what you can realistically do with the time that you have. Nothing more, nothing less.
7. Schedule downtime into your workflow. Just sit back and kick it! It’s okay!! Multiple studies have proven that productivity drops dramatically over extended forced work / study marathons. Even Superman can’t squeeze a 25th hour into any day. Human beings need downtime to perform at our best and ultimately, as a direct result, you will become more productive if you don’t feel too stressed out.
What about you? What time-saving tips do you use every day?
Thanks for reading!