Everyone should learn how to effectively manage their time. Just like in sports, when you develop a strategy, it is always easier to win! Procrastination is holding people back from their potential, so change is in order. The following tips compiled below can help you do just that!
Work ahead of time to get things done. If possible, establish your schedule for the following day before it begins. As your day ends, create tomorrow’s to-do list. In this way, you will be well prepared for the challenges of the day.
Check your schedule over in the morning. If you know what you need to do as your day begins, the chances are better that you’ll achieve your goals. However, it is very important that you know what can be accomplished every day, and not put too much on your plate that it becomes difficult to get done.
Each task you focus on should be the center of your attention. Multi-tasking is very difficult for most people. Trying to do more than you can handle is exhausting and fruitless. Take your time with each task and work carefully. When one task is complete, start on the next task.
If you have lots of trouble with time management, you need to plan a day out before it happens. You can do this towards the end of your day. This will help you relax and get a good night’s sleep.
If you’re having trouble getting things done, consider how you are managing your time. Use your time wisely. Check emails and voicemails only if you have the time to answer them. Otherwise, you reduce the time you have for the allotted tasks on your list.
Phone Calls
Unless it is an emergency, don’t answer phone calls, texts, or instant messages if you are busy with a task. When your train of thought is interrupted, it is difficult to get back on track. Return phone calls, instant messages and texts when you finish the task.
Do your hardest jobs early in the day. These should be done immediately at the start of the day. Then, you can attend to lesser tasks with reduced pressure. When the stressful portion of your day is completed early, the rest of your day will seem to cruise by.
Write down what needs doing every day, and put it in order of priority. Stick to the order of importance, and don’t start working on other things further down the list until higher priority tasks are completed. Bring your list with you when you go somewhere to make sure you remember the tasks that are on it.
A diary will help you with your time management skills. For a few days you should write down the things you’ve done and what time those things got finished. After a few days, check the diary to figure out which areas need improvement.
To get things done, make a priority list with all tasks placed in the order of importance. This is how you can get your day organized. What are the most important projects that must be completed today? Put the most important jobs at the top. After that, simply work down your list to your least important tasks.
Attempt to get yourself prepared mentally for the things you need to accomplish. It can be hard to focus on all the tasks that must get done each day, but with some repetition of time management skills, you can accomplish it. Convince yourself to focus for a given time and then follow through.
Carry around a to-do list. This can serve as a great reminder when you need it. There will be items on your schedule that may not be pleasant to work on. That might result in forgetfulness. Having a list with you can help you remember to stay on task.
Rewards should not come first. Rewards should only come about after you’ve completed your goals. For example, as much as you may want a fresh cup of coffee, if that’s going to put you behind schedule, put it off until later. Give yourself rewards so that you have incentive.
In order to save on time and money, manage your errands in groupings. There is no point in going to a single store on your trip. This will help you manage both time and money.
Make 4 quadrants on your to-do list. The vertical columns should say “not important” and “important”. The horizontal rows should be labelled as not urgent and urgent. Don’t put more than 5-10% of time in the quadrants labeled not urgent or important. The majority of time will be dedicated to the important/urgent section. Just be sure to allocate enough time for the tasks that are important but not urgent because you don’t want them to turn into emergencies.
Consider using the Pomodoro technique. This recommends working for about twenty-five minutes and then resting for five. This helps make sure you do not feel like you are working too hard. You will be able to work at an optimal level, facilitating the completion of tasks.
What’s important in your life? Many people believe that if there is something you desire to do, time can be made for it. Find out what you can cut from your schedule, and consider what you truly wish to do. If you can do some of these things daily, you will feel better.
Time management is difficult, especially is you do not like scheduling. Start now and get a handle on your time management. Utilizing these ideas can help you for the rest of your life.