Time is an asset we all have, and it is the one asset that is not replenishable. Here are 13 tips for time management.
- Decide how you will spend your time ahead of time. If you don’t decide ahead of time, it will be easier for you to be pulled in other directions by others or to become easily distracted. By determining ahead, you also consciously choose how you want to spend your time. Planning will also help you work out problems or mistakes ahead of time. This will save you time because you can anticipate if a plan will work and change it while it is still on paper instead of in the middle of executing the plan.
- Visualize how you’ll spend your time by time blocking. When you list how long you think each task will take you or how long you are willing to spend on any given task, place it in your calendar for that time, creating a time block. This is part of planning, and it will provide you with a sense of what you need to get done ahead of something else, how much you realistically fit in a day, and can help you visualize how much time you are spending on any one activity.
- Schedule your free time in your calendar. When I first learned about time blocking in college, I read about it was best to schedule your free time first. This way you have something to look forward to after you’re done working, and it keeps you focused on your present task so that you don’t have to cut into the free time you are looking forward to.
- Include white space on your calendar. When I first tried time blocking, I would block every hour I was awake. This would create a problem if something took longer than expected because there needed to be room for overflow. It also didn’t include any breaks. I would be so ambitious in the planning that I wouldn’t stop considering how I would feel that day, trying to stay on schedule.
- Think about your future self as someone you love and want to care for. When you decide on what you are going to do, how long it is going to take you, and what your working hours are, think of the future you (the one who is going to be executing your plans) as someone you love and want to take care of. Think of her capacity and how she will feel, and try to take care of her ahead of time so that it is easier to adhere to the schedule you create.
- Plan for results and not activities. When you put things on your calendar, make sure you plan the results you want to produce, not just the activity you will be doing. This will keep you from doing things that keep you busy but don’t move you forward and will help you feel clear and focused. If you feel overwhelmed at work, grab the guide 3 Ways to Feel Less Overwhelmed at Work.
- Know what your values are and what your current priority is. By knowing what you value and your priority, it will be easier for you to honor the commitments you make with your time. It will also be easy to see if you are living your values by how you are spending your time. Knowing your values and priorities will help you make decisions regarding your time.
- Delegate what you can. There are so many tasks that need to get done at work and at home. Try to delegate as much as you can to other people so that you are focusing on your most important work and your most important priorities.
- Automate. If there are things you can automate, like automatic bill pay or setting up a subscription service for household goods that you need, set these things up so that they happen automatically, and you don’t need to spend time on them every month.
- Batch tasks together. The more you can batch your tasks together, the more efficient you will be. You will be much more efficient and focused if you spend one hour replying to emails every morning than if you stop what you are working on and respond to each email as soon as they arrive.
- Ask if something can wait. When you feel the urge to run a load of dishes or do laundry, ask yourself if it can wait. If it can, then don’t do it right then. If the answer is no and the task can’t wait, it is time to do it.
- Focus on whatever you are working on when you are working on it. Only do one thing at a time. Keep the center of your attention focused on your task at hand. Shut out distractions, turn off notifications, and keep yourself focused on what you are working on. This will make you more efficient and more productive.
- Have a ritual for getting into a productive mood. This is especially helpful if you need help with getting into your work. Create a ritual for yourself that brings you joy. Get your favorite drink, light a candle, and turn on some music. Do something that will help you get into your flow and make it more enjoyable to start working.
Tips for Time Management
These tips will help you become more organized, efficient, and productive with your time. Your time is a precious resource and should be treated as such. By being committed, determined and focused you can get more done in less time and can set out to do everything you want to do.