Have you often wished that each day had more hours? Does it seem like that aren’t nearly enough hours in a day to accomplish all your tasks? If do, learning to manage your time can help. Using the tips below, you can begin the process today.
Get a timer. If you wish to focus on a task, set a timer for the length of time you wish to spend concentrating on the task at hand. For instance, if you can work for 60 minutes, set your timer for 15 minutes, go on a short break, and maintain this pattern for as long as you need for completing the task.
A good time management practice is to do things one day in advance. If you can, plan your activities for the following day ahead of time. Create tomorrow’s to-do list for a great finish to a work day. In this way, you will be well prepared for the challenges of the day.
Time management starts with a calendar. Many carry around a physical paper calendar, since it is easy to write on them. On the other hand, some people like the convenience of keeping track of their tasks and appointments using calendars on their electronic devices. Using a calender is the best way to manage your daily commitments.
If you find yourself late all the time, attempt to focus on deadlines. When you see that a deadline is coming up quickly, you may sacrifice other priorities and delay everything else. If you know that you have to get something done, you’ll be pushed to do it.
Part of your daily schedule should be to include time for interruptions that may pop up. Things happen. If you don’t allocate time for little things that crop up during the day, you will get off schedule very quickly. By anticipating distractions, you will be able to stay on the right path.
Prioritize your daily activities. Often times we waste our day away with unimportant activities. This will allow you to maximize the quality of your production. Start off with a to-do list, and put the most important chores at the top of the list.
Practice saying no. Just saying yes can add a lot of stress to your life. If you have too many things to do, consider your schedule. Is there any work that you could delegate to other people? Delegating to family and friends can be very helpful.
Every day when you awake, plan how your day will go. Use pen and paper to create a list of things to do for the day and the amount of time to allot for each task. Having a schedule to meet each day helps you manage your time.
If you need quality time to do your work, do not hesitate to close the door to your office. When you leave your door open, others will think they are welcome to come in. You have privacy in a moment by shutting the door. People will see that you do not want to be disturbed, and you will get more done.
Refrain from communicating with friends unless it is urgent. Once you get interrupted, it may be difficult for you to return to your project. Return texts, phone calls, and instant messages when you are done with the task at hand.
Stay on task at all times to improve your time management skills. Don’t become distracted when things happen while you are working on a task. Sometimes, people try to put priorities into your time for you as you work. Do not allow them to do this. Don’t begin a task until you have finished the other one.
Not everything will get done every day. In fact, it is nearly impossible to do so. Odds are that about 20% of your activities, thoughts, and conversations actually produce around 80% of your results. Try to get done as much as possible, but know that it isn’t realistic to do it all.
By following these tips, you will be able to get control of your time. Since time is very precious and cannot be replaced, learning to use it well is invaluable. When you efficiently use your time, you’ll get more done.
