Job, family and hobbies all add up to a busy lifestyle. Time management may seem like trying to control the uncontrollable. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. The following advice will allow you to approach time management better.
Get yourself a timer that you can set. If you are finding it difficult to concentrate on a particular task, set a timer for the number of minutes that you have to devote to the task. If you need to work for one hour, set your timer for the hour so you are not looking at the clock the entire time.
Try working out your days ahead of time. If you can, set time aside to set up the agenda for the following day before it begins. Preparing a to-do list for tomorrow is an excellent way to end your working day. This will allow you to see what you need to do.
You cannot find a better way to manage time than using a calendar. Lots of folks still like paper calendars on which they can scribble. Others prefer to use an electronic calendar that they can access on their phone or computer. Whatever you choose, any calendar helps you get your priorities straight for better time management.
Distribute time wisely. Consider each task and the time it will take to complete it, then establish a deadline in which to complete it. It will help you spend your time smartly and enjoy life more. If you find yourself with extra time on your hands, use it to pamper yourself.
If time management is a problem for you, figure out how you’re spending your time. Do you use it effectively? Avoid distractions like emails or Facebook. When you check your messages all the time, you can lose focus on the other tasks at hand.
Plan out your schedule every morning. Get a pen and a piece of paper and write down what you will do during the day and how much time you plan on doing it for. A daily schedule allows you to use your time wisely.
Unless you must, don’t answer your phone when you’re trying to finish something. You will have trouble getting back on task if you get interrupted. If it’s not emergency, ignore other less important things until you complete the first thing you are working on.
Check your schedule often. Is there anything you can eliminate? Can you delegate a task to other people so you can have some extra time for your tasks? An important skill to learn in time management is delegation. When you delegate a task to another person, that is something to mark off of your list.
Always aim to stay on task. Don’t get distracted easily. Don’t let other people influence the importance of your tasks. This should be stopped, unless it’s an emergency. Complete a task prior to accepting others.
It is almost impossible to complete every task you have. It’s just about impossible to do that. The fact of the matter is, approximately twenty percent of your actions, conversations and thoughts produce about eighty percent of your results. You should try to complete what you can, just be sure your goals are realistic.
As you’ve read, while your life may be busy, you can manage your time. When you’ve got the right mindset and the right knowledge, it all becomes much easier to handle. Be sure to put these helpful tips to use.
