As the old adage says, "Time is money."
We regularly hear people complain about how they don’t have time to do the things that they need to do. Whether it’s at work or at home, people always wish they had more time to do this and to take care of that. And while we are always stuck with the same 24-hour period every single day, there are easy ways we can improve our time management and pave the way for a much better life both in and out of work. Here are some practical time management tips for your consideration:
Prioritize
Whether it is in the office or in the home, it pays to prioritize. But before you can do this, you need to list all of your tasks for the day, or even for the week. Prioritization simply means focusing first on those things that are very important. In the office, for example, there will always be tasks that demand your utmost attention while there are also those that can be deferred for another time. The same is true in the house. You’ve got to check which ones will be requiring your attention first. Unfortunately, this means you’ve got to have a system that will help you assess each situation in an objective manner.
Delegate
One of the biggest mistakes people make is that they think they can do it all. Sure, we’re always motivated by celebrity endorsements saying that the individuals of today can do virtually anything and everything. As you know, we’re not invincible. And we don’t have all the right skills needed to complete all the tasks before us. Start recognizing the fact that you’re not Superman. On that note, even Superman still (occasionally) requires the help of the Justice Leaguers. Delegate the tasks that you think other individuals can safely and effectively carry out. Leave the more important ones to you. Keep in mind to check the capabilities of the person to whom you are delegating. Give only those tasks that you are confident they can handle with ease.
Set a Target
When you set a target, make sure that it is realistic. This requires a deeper understanding of what needs to be done. You have to look at the difficulty of completing the task including other factors that may have an impact on the accomplishment of said task. Here’s a tip: Once you’ve accomplished your task especially if it’s a challenging one, make sure to give yourself a treat ( a break, snack, etc.). You’ve earned it. This will also be great motivation for you to keep on doing the same things.
Don’t Procrastinate
A lot of people have the mentality of putting off some of their tasks and activities for a later time, thinking that they can easily complete the task. Unfortunately, this is one of the worst time management killers in the world. Procrastination doesn’t only affect your productivity; it also shows your lack of respect for the others who are working their butts to complete their tasks. Additionally, you are wasting your energy by engaging in non-essential activities.
Take a Short Breather
Working for eight continuous hours is not only counterproductive, it also exposes you to a number of health problems, including stress. You may start the day feeling energized but as the day progresses, your energy levels dwindle, often compounded by work-related stress. If you continue, you will find yourself unable to complete anything. The best remedy is to take a short 5- to 10-minute breather just to “recharge” yourself. This will help you complete more tasks as the day progresses.
Time management need not be difficult. Whether it’s in the house or in the office, you can employ these tips to make the most out of your daily 24 hours.
Written by: April Joy, BOSS Contributor
