Twenty-four hours seem like a lot of time. But for some reason, we never seem to complete all our tasks within the specified schedule. On the other side of the board, hyperactive people always get things done on time.
So, what makes us different from them? How do they squeeze everything into their schedule?
The answer is proper time management.
Think about it; no one can pause time (unless you are Flash). But you can control how saturated your schedule is over a specified period. And you won’t even need to compromise your sleep cycle.
Let check out some essential tips that can boost your time management skills.
1 – Get a watch!
Your journey to becoming better at time management starts with time tracking. You must learn how to manage your time independently.
As basic as it sounds, you need to keep track of time. The clock on your phone may suffice, but you need to avoid the distraction from notifications.
Get a watch or timer for every task: set alarms and reminders for time-sensitive projects. And if you are worried about sleeping through your alarm, get something loud — the louder, the better.
2 – Create a timetable
With a better understanding of your time consumption, creating a timetable becomes an easy task.
Identify your most productive hours and organize your timetable accordingly. Try to set long-term and short-term goals from time to time.
For example, if you want to complete a project within a day, segment the task across a 24-hour period. Try to account for every hour.
Also, a timetable can only be effective if you follow it strictly. Every task must have a time limit, accompanied by an expected goal.
3 – Complete every task on your to-do list
Combine your timetable with your to-do list.
When you wake up every morning, go through your to-do list before checking your social media feed. This technique helps stimulate the brain for physical activity.
Think about it; you spend 10-15 minutes checking your notifications and mentions every morning. You can easily do this during your commute or break.
Save all the non-essential activities for your intermission between tasks. Use them as motivators and reward mechanisms.
4 – Work on the most demanding tasks first
You can’t just place things on your to-do list randomly. Start with the most demanding and time-sensitive tasks and work your way down.
Why is this necessary?
You’ll have enough energy and maximum concentration to tackle the most difficult tasks. And as your energy levels start to deplete, you can muster the courage for the menial tasks.
Moreover, the sense of accomplishment will fuel you for the rest of the day. But if you start with the more straightforward projects first, you will struggle to complete the difficult ones later.
5 – Adjust your schedule
Make necessary adjustments to your schedule to allow more time for work. Prioritize working in the morning since your body and mind are freshly-rested.
For instance, you could wake up an hour earlier and go to bed an hour later than usual. Your adjustments should always favor your productive periods.
Think about the amount of time you spend on non-work related activities, like browsing. All these activities can become part of your break instead of cutting into your work time.
6 – Forget non-productive multitasking
A common misconception is that multitasking is the mark of true productivity. But here is the problem; you could half-ass ten tasks or complete five of the ten.
Which option is a better use of your time?
Obviously, I’d rather complete five projects than none at all.
Multitasking can fool your boss at the office. But the project is still waiting for you. So, you should only combine activities that don’t conflict.
For example, you could listen to your favorite podcast during your morning run. Or check your feed while cooking dinner. These tasks focus on different areas of the brain and, as such, can be combined.
7 – Take scheduled breaks
Time management doesn’t mean you have to work yourself to a stupor. Every task should be followed by a recreational activity away from the project environment.
This short intermission helps you change your scenery and reset.
Therefore, schedule short and long breaks depending on the amount of work completed. And make sure you take these breaks when the time comes.
8 – Don’t chase perfection
If it is practically impossible to finish a task within the given schedule, ask for an extension. Most bosses and teachers will give you a deadline extension. But they need to you put in that extra effort. If you always mess up projects and turn in assignments late, your chances of getting an extension are limited.
In essence, attend to every task with genuine maximum effort. If you can’t pull it off, forgive yourself. You don’t have to chase perfection forever.
9 – Organize your workspace
Your workspace setup determines your productivity.
It sounds strange, but if your workspace is a complete shambles, you will struggle to motivate yourself to work. Once you look at the mess, you will get this ‘ugh’ feeling.
So, keep your workspace organized while working. Place the tools needed for the project close and remove every possible distraction — phones, devices, and junk.
10 – Always consider outsourcing
Sometimes, we are just too tired to finish our projects before the deadline. The truth is that some bosses don’t care about your personal issues; they just want the report on their desk by Monday.
But no need to panic: delegate these tasks to someone more equipped to complete them.
You could always find a freelancer willing to complete the task within the stipulated deadline. Use their services and avoid putting your body through unnecessary stress.
In essence, these time management tips will increase your productivity. Start tracking your time with timepieces and timetables. You should also get to-do lists and other time management tools to help your creative process. And if the challenge is too tough to handle, outsource the task to experts.
Who wrote this?
As the owner and editor of SomebodySays, Ugo Ezenduka shows readers the fundamentals of content writing and blogging to help them adapt to the ever-changing landscape.
He has collaborated with several IT and publishing companies to create articles and blog posts that customers crave. When he is not in front of a screen, Ugo can be spotted somewhere with a camera or on a football pitch.
