In the words of Allen F. Morgenstern: “Work smarter, not harder.” Being effective does not mean you have to work longer hours, it simply means that you have to utilise the hours that you have better.
Here are 5 tips that can help you foster effective time management skills.
1. Prioritize wisely.
Try to divide your day and your tasks into the following three categories:
- Important and urgent: Tasks that must be done. Do them right away.
- Important but not urgent: Tasks that appear important, but upon closer examination aren't. Decide when to do them.
- Not urgent and not important: Low-priority stuff that offers the illusion of "being busy." Do them later.
Dividing your tasks into these categories will give you a clearer image of what to do and in which order. In this way, you will feel more in control of your day and be able to manage your tasks more effectively.
2. Learn to say no.
It is important to understand that you only have so many hours in a day. You can be a Time Management Fundi, but as David Allen said: “You can do anything, but not everything.” Recognize when your proverbial plate is full and have the courage to say no to new tasks or other things that will take your time and focus away from what needs to get done.
3. Recognize and Eliminate Distractions.
It might sound obvious but so many of us fall victim to distractions that break our focus and slow us down without even realizing it. The key to combating these distractions is to be aware of them and minimize them to the best of your abilities. If you need to switch your phone off, close your browser tabs or even wear earplugs while you work, do it!
4. Establish a Routine.
This is aimed at taking the emotional energy out of wondering what to do next. Even though you have your to-do list set, ready and divided into the categories as mentioned above, you may find it difficult to start and stick to your task. When we function within routines it is easier to channel our energy into the task at hand because the other variables surrounding our tasks will be predictable. Whether your routine includes a coffee break at 10am followed by a walk at 12pm or you start with your admin and new emails first thing in the morning; routines create the necessary framework that lays the foundation for proper time management throughout the day.
5. Get to know yourself.
Have you ever sat at your desk, stared at your computer and no matter how hard you try you just can’t seem to concentrate? You are not alone! Remember, your time is your own and once you understand at which time of day you function optimally, you can start planning your time correctly. Some people are able to complete detailed analytical tasks early in the morning while others thrive better late at night. Forcing yourself to be effective when your mind just does not want to will not get you anywhere.
References: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/time-management-tips-2947336 / https://www.refinethemind.com/21-time-management-tips/ / https://quickbooks.intuit.com/r/employees/8-tips-for-effective-time-management/
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