Time management is the controlling and planning of your time. It is the total amount of time you spend on a specific task or activity. If you have excellent time management, there is a possibility that you can get more done in shorter periods.
Time management is not easy, but it is imperative. With so many distractions around us, managing time intelligently can be beneficial. Did you know that last year in 2019 that the average time spent on social media was 2 hours and 22 minutes? With so many distractions, what is the best way to manage time?
If you are looking for strategies to manage your time intelligently, keep reading.
Time Management, How Important is it?
We often hear the term time management, but why is it important? One reason time management is so important is that you can use it in all areas of your life.
Why is time management essential? Here are a few reasons:
- Better time management allows you more time for other tasks (time is limited)
- Improved decision-making ability
- Reduced stress
- The ability for greater success in your career
- More accomplished with less effort
7 Strategies to Manage Your Time Intelligently
1. Set Goals!
The first strategy to manage your time is to set achievable goals. Goals are essential to help guide your time. When you set goals for your time, it is less likely that you will misuse your time.
A great technique to use for goal setting is the SMART method. SMART refers to goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, and realistic.
2. Prioritizing Effectively
Another strategy is to prioritize your tasks daily. The most important tasks should be accomplished first. Create a priority schedule.
Rank your tasks by high, medium, and low importance. This will allow you to dedicate the right amount of time to your tasks, activities, and projects.
3. Set Limits on Your Time
Time is essential, and time is limited. It is crucial to set time limits and constraints on your tasks. By setting time limits, you can be more efficient and focused.
When you set a priority schedule and include the time amount of time, you will dedicate to that task. Time limits are set as boundaries, but they should also be flexible. Realistic time constraints can help you stay on task for an extended period.
Setting limits on your time will also allow others to respect your time. If you schedule a meeting, phone conversation, or interview, time limits should be set before going into a meeting. It can help with increased productivity and an overall productive meeting.
Working aimlessly is not efficient. You may not recognize how much time you spend on certain things. Set time limit ranges and constraints to take advantage of more of your time.
4. Organize & Plan
Do you have a planner or calendar? If you do not have a physical planner, you can utilize your smartphone or tablet. Many free online tools will help you stay organized. Utilizing a calendar can help you with long-term time management.
Make a record of everything! Staying organized by using a calendar or planner can help with your time management, productivity, stress relief, and creativity.
Organizing and planning your time can help you keep an accurate record of your accomplishments and place focus on areas that are lacking. A planner does not have to be intricate or extravagant.
5. Incorporate Breaks
Managing your time intelligently is knowing that breaks and downtime are essential for productivity. Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion that results in a feeling of reduced accomplishment.
Burnout can happen when you do not take needed breaks. Part of managing your time is also managing appropriate breaks throughout the day. It may be hard to remain focused when you are trying to accomplish too many tasks.
Downtime between tasks allows you to stay motivated, enhance focus, and refresh your mind.
6. Get Rid of Unnecessary Tasks
Let’s be honest, there are some things on your to-do list that can be eliminated. Remove excess tasks and activities from your daily plans. To determine which activities or tasks fall under “excess,” consider looking at the tasks you categorized as “low importance.”
Managing your time intelligently means determined what deserves your time. Non-essential tasks that are not a priority should take up a less amount of time.
7. Dedication
The last strategy is dedication. Time management takes time and a concerted effort.
The more you begin to implement time management strategies, the more they become a standard part of your day-to-day.
How Will You Incorporate Time Management Daily?
Starting with a plan and mastering the plan is key for time management. Whether in your work life, family life, or relationship, time management is essential and can lead to amazing benefits.
