Time Management Tips

We could all use some time management tips, right?

It’s the new year and I’m sure there are many of you that have vowed to better manage your time into the new year. Managing your time can be one of the most difficult things to master. It’s not easy to balance everything that needs to get done, and still get it all done in a timely manner. This post will go over a few great ways to start managing your time easily and efficiently without getting stressed.

• Planning

o   Use an Organizer

• By using some sort of organizer you will be far better off when it comes to getting things done, yes lists are still needed, but organize them by date on a calendar of some sort. You can purchase planners at many stores, or use a desk calendar for a more permanent fixture. There are also many online printable calendars that can be put into a binder that work well.
• You’ll want to begin by making a list of things that need to get done on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. It may work best to write down what you know needs to be done this week, and then add it into to do lists for each day so that things are spaced out. Do this every Saturday so that you start the new week off on task.

• Time Limits

o   Give yourself time limits to complete tasks. Be sure to have 10-15 minutes in-between time limits to allow for going over the said time limit and getting ready to start the new task.

o   Use some sort of alarm or timer to set your time limits so that you actually know when to stop and how much time you have left to complete the task at hand.

• Say NO!

o   If you are the type of person who always says yes when someone asks you to help out, learn to say no! It will be one of the best things that you can do for yourself. You do not need to do everything, nor do you have time to. It’s okay to be nice, but make sure that you can get everything you need to done before offering help to others.

• Target Being Early

o   Set your deadlines early. This concept creates a scenario where you will either be early, or will be right on time. Tell yourself it needs to be done before it really does and you won’t be late with anything ever again! You might actually get some free time this way.

• Block Distractions

If you get distracted very easily (as so many of us do), try to block out the things that distract you. A big one is Facebook; log out, turn off your notifications (yes you can do this on any device, including the computer, the notification noise will be gone! It will still notify you, just without the noise) and focus on what you need to get done. Check your social media sites at lunch, or during the designated time that you give yourself in order to stay better focused.

And Congrats on taking this step to a better managed life! You will not be disappointed.