Planning how to effectively use and consciously regulate your time is called time management, and the goal is to increase productivity. Get more done in less time, in essence.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Be aware of how you spend your time.
When productivity is calculated based on output over a predetermined time frame, lost time might translate into lost money. Similar to making a budget, you need to keep track of what you actually do with your time to identify any activities or routines that are preventing you from achieving your objectives.
Check the time first. According to the categories you create, time-tracking software like RescueTime can show you how many hours a day you spend productively compared to how much time you spend on unrelated activities like social media browsing or shopping.
2. Stick to a daily routine
Do more than just say, “I have eight hours to do XYZ.” Make a daily schedule with time slots designated for various chores. The secret to success is to stay committed.
• Pay attention without interruption. Avoid slipping off to websites unrelated to work (or doing anything else you aren’t supposed to be doing) during working hours. Close every tab that says “for later” in your browser. Until it’s time for a scheduled break, turn off your phone or put it away. Again, self-control is your best friend in this situation.
3. Set priorities.
To-do lists can save your productivity. But if you’re not careful, they might grow to such a size and extent that you have no idea where to begin. The Eisenhower Matrix, a tool, can assist you in setting priorities based on importance and urgency. With the use of this decision matrix, you can segment your list into:
• Do immediately: Important tasks with defined deadlines, or ones you’ve put off for so long they’re now overdue
• Schedule for later: Important tasks with no defined deadlines
• Delegate: Tasks that someone else can do
• Delete: Tasks you can eliminate because they’re not critical to your goals or mission
4. Process related jobs in batches
Batching, often known as batch processing, is the grouping of related activities for collaborative work. Sort them by purpose or role.
For instance:
• Client meetings on Wednesdays and Thursdays
• Respond to emails from 10 to 11 a.m. only
• Generate reports first thing in the morning, and distribute
5. Recognise when to say no.
Our energy levels are limited each day and decrease with time. Know your limits and be prepared to say no to prevent doing subpar work. Recognise your advantages and disadvantages. Concentrate on your strengths and, if possible, delegate tasks that may be completed more quickly and effectively by others.
The majority of high-performing teams have mastered the art of time management. Utilise these time management best practises to reclaim your workday, increase productivity, and reduce stress.
