Time management is key to minimizing stress, getting more accomplished throughout your day, and reaching your short- and long-term goals. Effective time management is a skill that takes practice so that the time management techniques that you apply become a habit. Once a technique becomes habitual, it will form part of your daily routine and happen naturally without too much additional effort. You will be able to see the various benefits of doing more while having also having time left for leisure and self-care.
What’s the best way to manage time effectively? Kazmo Brain Center recommends applying these 10 tips,
1-Figure Out If You’re A Morning Person or a Night Person.
Some people like to get their work or other responsibilities accomplished first thing in the morning so they have the rest of the day to do what they want; however, if you’re simply not a morning person, you could be setting yourself up for failure if you try getting work done early in the day rather than later on. A solution could be to do easier tasks or less cognitively demanding tasks in the morning and early afternoon and save the responsibilities that require greater focus for the evening or nighttime hours. You may be surprised to find how much more you get done when you tailor the timing to your personal strengths and preferences.
2-Use the 5-Minute Rule to Manage your time
Everyone has moments when they simply can’t get themselves to sit down and get to work, much less focus, or concentrate on one or more tasks. However, if you really think about it, the thought of doing the task usually feels much more painful or dreadful than what it feels like when you actually do it. If you want to manage your time more effectively, whenever you feel like you’re dragging your feet or just can’t concentrate on your work, tell yourself you will just start the task and do it for 5 minutes. That’s it, just 5 minutes. If after 5 minutes you just can’t bear to continue, then let it go and do something else. It’s likely, however, that you will find that actually doing the task isn’t nearly as bad as thinking about doing it. It’s a strange phenomenon so try out this 5-minute rule for yourself.
3. Have a To-Do List
Having a list is always a time saver. If you have a list, you’ll never have to wonder what’s on the daily agenda or what to do next. Indeed, a list keeps you focused and motivated, focused on feeling that sweet satisfaction every time you tick off a task from your list. Lists also let you see – and monitor – your progress. Even if you’re surrounded by distractions, your list will keep you on the right track.
4-Get Organized, But DON’T Organize All the Time
Having your work area, files, papers, desk, car, and other belongings organized is key to time management. Anyone who has dug through their own messy drawers or closets knows that there is no bigger waste of time than trying to find a document or other tool you need because you are so disorganized that the object is nowhere to be found. In addition, an organized workspace is critical to emotional balance and cognitive focus. However, it’s important to avoid getting too caught up in organizing, causing you to avoid getting your work done. Set a timer for 10 minutes at some point in your day, and tell yourself that you will organize your surroundings/belongings until the timer is up. At this point, you must stop and get to work. If you need more time, then schedule an organization period on a weekend or at the end of the day.
5. Avoid Perfection
Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good, as they say. Avoid overanalyzing everything you do. That doesn’t mean be careless, however. Do your best – always. But perfection can drag you down, so don’t think about it. Once you’ve finished a task and given it your best, you have to move on.
6. Focus on One Task at a Time
If you have chosen to do a task, see it through to the end – finish it. Avoid doing half work, which means abandoning your current task and doing something else entirely. One example of half-work is writing a report then suddenly checking your email for no reason and writing replies. That’s not only bad time management but also bad for your concentration. You’ll lose your momentum. Focus on the task at hand, and avoid these pitfalls.
Effective time management is ultimately a result of having the right attitude and commitment to your goals.
Keep in mind that time flies quickly – always. This makes the time a variable that is difficult to control and monitor. And once time passes away, you’ll never get it back.
Kazmo Brain Center is a counseling center in Frisco, Texas specializing in mental health counseling and will help you toward a happier and more satisfying life. If you or your loved ones are facing problems and you think that you need help then Request an appointment at the Kazmo Brain Center and we are here to help.
