13 Time Management Tips That Anyone Can Implement
I’m sure you’ve heard over and over how a To Do List can help you get thru your day. What happens though, if you keep making one and things aren’t getting crossed off. Today is an EXCITING day! I’m going to share with you some helpful tips on Time Management that you can use as you see fit.
Are you ready? Let’s GO!
1. Create a daily plan. It’s easier to stay on track when you have a plan. Before you begin the day, outline the things that you need to accomplish, appointments that are set, etc.
2. Assign a time limit to each task. If you have multiple projects that you are working on, assign a time limit to each one so that you are accomplishing more throughout the day. An example, project X needs to be completed by 10 am, project Y by 3 pm and project Z by 5 pm.
3. Use a calendar. Having a calendar with your appointments scheduled is one of the most important pieces to the time management puzzle. Personally, I use a free calendar, cozi.com, to keep track of my family’s schedule and it syncs with Google calendar, another free site, so that wherever I go, I have my schedule on hand. Of course, an old-fashioned calendar works just as well.
4. Use an organizer or planner. The organizer helps you to be on top of everything in your life. It’s your central tool to organize information, to-do lists, projects, and other miscellaneous items. If you would rather go the online route, there are varieties of time management software programs online or for purchase. Do you research to see what works best for you.
5. Know your deadlines. Write down your task or project due dates on your paper calendar or schedule them in your online calendar.
6. Learn to say “No”. If it’s something that will cause you stress, cause you discomfort, etc. say no.
7. Have a clock visibly placed before you. Sometimes we are so engrossed in our work that we lose track of time. Place a clock in front of you so that you’re aware of what time it is and how much time has elapsed.
8. Set reminders. Most calendars will allow you to set reminders as you schedule appointments. When I have an appointment, I’ll set the reminder so that it alerts me prior to the appointment with a minimum of 15 minutes.
9. Focus. It’s easy to get side tracked by distractions. Focus on one task at a time and block the things that you know will distract you. For me, I know that instant messaging can become a distraction so I log in a few times per day to check in and then log back out so that I can get back to the actual task on hand.
10. Track your time spent. Most smartphones come with a timer. If you know that you only have 30 minutes to work on a task, set your timer and hit start. It will count down in the background while you’re doing your work. When the time is up, the timer will go off. Another way to count back time is the timer on your stove top. I use this often when working in the house.
11. Prioritize. What needs completed first, then second and so on. Prioritize the tasks that need completed each day and work in that order.
12. Delegate. What things are you good at? What things are you not so good at? Are there items that can be outsourced or given to someone else to complete? This can take a load off you so that you can stick to the important things that you’re working on.
13. Batch similar tasks together. I try to group similar tasks together. For example, I’ll do all of my Administrative tasks (email, phone calls, etc.) in the same time block.
There you go…13 Time Management tips that you can begin to use immediately. Start with one and then add to it. You’ll soon be a master of your time.
Do you have a Time Management tip that wasn’t shared? Post it in our Community so that others can learn too.
With Love,
Laura