Do you feel like you never have enough time? Do you feel time slipping by you while you watch and do nothing? If so, here is some advice on how to become a master of time management.
Firstly, you need to set goals properly and make a plan on how to achieve them. Your goals should be as specific as possible. Every Monday create a to-do list for the whole week. It is very important to plan at least 80% of the day, and leave 20% for some unexpected tasks and situations. Do not forget to set deadlines for your tasks. When you finish, cross out completed tasks – this will help you build self-confidence and will make you feel really good.
It is important to make priorities. Urgent, important and most difficult tasks should be high on your list. Leave other things for later. If you start your day with a number of small tasks, you will probably end your day with the most important ones not even started.
One of the most basic skills that will help you is time tracking. You should record and control what you do. You can find many apps on your smartphone designed specifically to measure how much time you spent on various tasks.
Wake up early in the morning, because that’s when people are most creative and productive. When your energy is down, you can do less important tasks, returning phone calls or answering e-mails.
Forget about multitasking. It’s a waste of time. Complete your tasks one by one instead.
When you work, your cell phone, television and internet connection should be all turned-off. Minimize distractions, because they break concentration, inhibit productivity, and cause stress. Put up a “Do not disturb” sign.
Do not say ‘’I will do this tomorrow’’, do it now. The best time to do something is now. You will thank yourself tomorrow.
Take a break from time to time. You are only human. That’s not wasting time. A little break every now and then can have a major impact on your overall productivity. Don’t overdo it though. Set an alarm to make sure you will go back to work in time.
No one can manage everything on their own. Let other people help you. That will save you a lot of time and can even help you with your relationships.
During your free time, read some advice from successful people. Choose something that motivates you, and make it a part of your regular routine. It will probably be difficult to implement it in the beginning, but keep in mind that it takes only 21 days to create a habit. And that’s what it’s all about… creating good habits.