If you are struggling with time management, remember that almost everyone at some point in their life feels the same way – so you are not alone.
Another thing to remember is that if you want to change you time management, you need to START SLOW – change will not happen overnight. There are a lot of habits that go into our days and there are a lot of outside forces that we have to manage in order to feel like we are in control of our time.
Here are my top 10 time management tips:
1. Figure out how you are using your time
What are you doing with your time, what do you NEED to do with your time, and what do you WANT to do with your time?
You might say that you already know what you need to do – so, why is this important? Check out this blog post by the Art of Manliness that provides a good rationale for why tracking your time is a great exercise.
Time tracking can be as simple as creating a time diary with excel or hand writing what you do all day with a pen and paper. Do this for a few days to see where your time goes. Ask yourself a few questions: Where am I spending my most time and does it seem that I am using my time wisely? Are there things that I want to get done but I am not, what is taking the time of this activity? What can I do differently?
2. Decide what your priorities are
Remember that many times, “less is more” – learn to concentrate on the few most important things that take up your time. In order to figure out what these things are – you need to prioritize.
Work on being deliberate about determining what you want to prioritize. Use a system for prioritizing – the ABC method or the Eisenhower method are two good techniques.
On a daily basis, you can use a simple “to do” list to keep you on track with your priorities. The 1-3-5 “to do” list from the Muse is a great way to make sure you get at least one big thing done every day that will make you feel accomplished.
3. Create 1-2 reasonable goals to manage your time better.
Your goal can be small but needs to have the following ingredients. It needs to be:
Specific – I will do [insert what it will look like when you achieve this goal]
Measureable – every day, 1 x per day, once per hour…
Has a deadline – within 1 week, 1 month, 6 months…
EXAMPLE: I will start a morning power hour routine and do it every day Monday through Friday by the end of this month.
This example is a very simple goal. If you find that you are setting goals but not meeting them, you might have to be a little clearer about your goals. The WOOP technique is great – it forces you to look at the barriers to meeting your goals and write goals that includes these barriers and what you will do when you face a difficult situation while reaching for your goals. Finally, some people like SMART or DUMB goal formulas to make more specific goals.
4. Develop better time management habits
Minimizes cognitive load that can be spent elsewhere (put your keys in the same spot every time you come home, etc).
Use a “to do” list – either daily or weekly. The 1-3-5 method is a great one.
Are you a self-described PROCRASTINATOR? Watch this short video to get some tips on why you do this and what you can do about it!
5. Create routines
Routines are a sequence of activities that we do and it is usually started with a habit. Routines are another way to help your brain get through activities that will help you be more efficient. And routines will help in areas of your life that are not always obvious – having a set night routine before you go to sleep at night, cues your brain that sleep is coming and “primes” your body to get ready for sleep – if you have a set routine, you will likely get to sleep quicker and have a more restful sleep.
Need a better “self-care” routine? Try to morning power hour approach.
Need a better sleep routine? Click here.
6. Find a time management system that works for you
Everyone has a preference and will respond to different systems in different ways. The most important thing is to find a system that works for you and will keep you on task.
Here are some examples of time management systems:
7. Break up big projects into smaller chunks
If you have a big project or exam coming up, it is absolutely necessary to break down what you need to do to prepare to smaller, manageable steps. For each small step, make a “due date” for yourself. This is also helpful if you find that you procrastinate a lot.
8. Make yourself accountable
Writing goals (above) is a great way to be accountable to your time and getting done what you need and want to do.
Other ways to be accountable:
- Write down your time management goals – what things you want and need to do – this makes it “real”.
- Tell someone else what you want to accomplish – they will help keep you on track.
- Give yourself simple rewards for doing a good job- maybe splurge on something you really want after following a new routine for a month.
- Review how you are doing towards your goals – schedule in a review of your goal at regular times (once a week on a Sunday evening for example). When reviewing your goals, think about what worked or didn’t work since the last time and create a plan to address the challenges the next time they surface.
9. Learn to delegate and let go of some things.
If something is not a priority, learn to let it go. Say “no” when you need to – keep yourself focused on your priorities and end goals. Delegate tasks, if you can.
10. Double-dip.
Change your perspective on what takes up your time and work to use those things to your advantage.
Example: If you want to do exercise but realize you do not have the time or other resources to join a gym, incorporate your exercise into your daily life. For example, climb the stairs instead of take the elevator, park your car farther away than you usually would when you go to the grocery store, put your office on the second floor of your house if you work from home.
Finally, (maybe this is number 11?) avoid perfectionism – sometimes done is good enough!