Time! We never seem to have enough of it. With only 24 hours in a day, how can we make the most of it? Time management is more important now than ever between work, family time, and other social commitments.
In today's world, there are many things that save us time, such as cell phones, computers, microwaves, online bill paying, and shopping, to name a few. Yet, we still find ourselves running short on time! Time management is a skill that can be developed, and those that are successful with time management make time for tasks rather than find time to complete them.
So how can we make the most of our time? Here are 6 time management tips and strategies that will help complete your to-do lists and optimize your time.
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Create a daily plan for yourself
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Set achievable goals and prioritize your tasks for the day
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Learn to appropriately delegate tasks to others
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Identify time-wasters and set action-makers
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Establish a daily routine
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Avoid procrastination
Create a daily plan for yourself
Look at your calendar to see what tasks or events you have coming up to feel more prepared for the day.
Set achievable goals and prioritize your tasks for the day
Keeping a realistic outlook on what can be accomplished in one day will help you feel less stressed. Also, prioritize tasks so that the most important ones are completed first.
Learn to appropriately delegate tasks to others
Once you have established what can be completed within the day and prioritized these tasks, delegate tasks to others if appropriate. You may be able to check more tasks off your list if there are other helping hands!
Identify time-wasters and set action-makers
Time-wasters can include:
- Talking too long on the phone or frequently browsing social media sites.
- Having a disorganized office space.
- Failing to say no to unrelated tasks.
- Failing to ask for help or follow directions.
- Waiting until late in the day to do tasks.
- Focusing on smaller, less important tasks.
- Incessantly preparing and not taking action.
Action-makers can include:
- Schedule phone calls with end times when possible.
- Set a time limit for non-task-related Internet browsing.
- Close your Internet browser or unrelated windows to avoid distraction.
- Map or outline your more pressing task.
- Make a short daily to-do list and say no to tasks, not on that list.
- Set deadlines and alarms for you to complete tasks and stick to them.
- Set your Chat status to "Busy" or go offline; place your phone on "Do Not Disturb.
Establish a daily routine
If there are tasks on your list that could become an everyday item, try to do them at the same time every day. For example, if sweeping the floor needs to be done daily, do it at the same time every day, so it becomes a habit.
Avoid procrastination
Now that you've put in all the work to plan out the day, don't wait! Space your tasks throughout the day so that you aren't rushed to complete everything by the end of the day.
With these time management tips and strategies in mind, take a look at your to-dos and start planning today!
Be Well,
By Coach Sarah