Time is limited, so why not manage it better?
Time management is a skill that everyone can benefit from. Learning to properly manage your time can help you be more productive, efficient, and organized. It can also help reduce stress and improve your overall quality of life. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for time management. What works for one person may not work for another. The key is to find what works best for you and your unique situation. We did our best to come up with 7 of the ways we use to better manage our time and decided to share them with you!
1. Set clear goals and priorities
A lot of people talk about wanting to improve their time management skills, but they don't always know where to start. The first step is to take a close look at your goals. What do you want to achieve? What is most important to you? Once you have a clear understanding of your goals, you can start setting priorities. What tasks need to be completed in order to achieve your goal? Which tasks are more important than others? By setting clear goals and priorities, you can make sure that your time is being spent on the things that matter most to you. If you're not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available to help you. There are books, websites, articles, and even classes devoted to the subject of time management. If you're serious about improving your skills, take some time to do some research and find the resources that will work best for you. You'll be glad you did!
2. Make a list
Making a list of the tasks you need to complete can be a helpful way to stay organized and on track. Write down everything you need to do, both big and small. Then, start crossing items off of your list as you complete them. This will help you see your progress and give you a sense of accomplishment. Plus, it can be satisfying to see that physical representation of all the things you’ve accomplished! Lists are an important part of the day because they help us stay on track. I don't want to speak for everyone, but I think it is safe to say that we all try to multitask. Whether it is people stopping by your office at an inopportune time, kids running through the house, or your boss needing something last minute and hitting you with the "Did you get the TPS reports in yet?... Yeah, I'm going to need you to come in on Saturday", we all have something popping up that could take us away from the task at hand. A well-thought-out list can help you stay on track, prioritize your workload, and move forward!
3. Use a calendar
Using a calendar is a great way to keep track of upcoming deadlines and events. Entering your tasks and events into a calendar can help you visualize your week, month, or even year. This can be especially helpful if you have a lot going on. You can also use your calendar to plan ahead. If you know you have a big project due next month, start planning and working on it now so that you’re not scrambling at the last minute. I throw everything into my calendar. If someone peaks over, they may think I am the busiest (or craziest) person on the planet, but the truth is, it helps me stay on track and not forget a thing. To be honest, it takes some getting used to, but it is worth it!
4. Set time limits
One way to stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed is to set time limits for yourself. When you start working on a task, set a timer for a specific amount of time. Once the timer goes off, take a break. This will help you stay focused and avoid burnout. It’s also important to be realistic when setting time limits. If you know a task will take longer than the time limit you’ve set, adjust accordingly. Now, if you are the pen-and-paper type of person, there are daily planners that break your day down into 15-minute increments, such as the Panda Planner!
5. Take breaks
In addition to taking breaks between tasks, make sure to schedule some time for yourself each day. This can be used for taking care of personal errands, relaxing, or doing something you enjoy. It’s important to have some time each day when you’re not working or thinking about work. This will help you recharge and be more productive when you are working.
6. Delegate and ask for help
There isn't a single successful person that hasn't had to delegate and ask for help. You simply can't do it all. One of the best ways to manage your time is to delegate tasks and ask for help when you need it. If you have a lot on your plate, see if there’s anything you can delegate to someone else. This could be tasks at work or things that need to be done at home. Asking for help can be difficult, but it’s important to know your limits. If you’re struggling to complete a task or meet a deadline, reach out to someone who can help.
7. Simplify your life
Finally, one of the best ways to manage your time is to simplify your life. This could mean decluttering your home, getting rid of unnecessary commitments, or streamlining your work process. If you take a look at some of the most successful people in the world, like Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs, both of them chose to wear the same outfit every day. Another successful person, Rob Dyrdek was quoted recently saying he eats the same exact meal every day to automate part of his life (click here to watch). I'm not saying you have to go to that extreme, but the goal is to make your life as stress-free and efficient as possible. When you have less to worry about or think about, you’ll have more time and energy to focus on the things that are truly important to you.
Learning to manage your time can be a challenge, but it’s worth it. By using these tips, you can start making the most of your time and achieving your goals.
