How to Develop Better Time Management Skills

“Either run the day, or the day runs you.” — Jim Rohn

Time management is critical to a successful workplace — especially when you can determine your schedule.

Effective time management reduces stress, bolsters productivity, and creates a healthier work-life balance. And since time is something you can’t get back, it’s important to allocate it wisely.

However, time management doesn’t always come naturally. It is a discipline you must learn. Creating a system that works for you may take some trial and error.

Here are some tips to help you out:

Create a Plan.

Time management takes strategic planning. First, you must determine your priorities and workflow. Then, review your daily, weekly, and monthly schedules as you map out a plan.

Operate Around Priorities.

Some priorities trump others. Prioritize your duties in the order of their importance. Consider deadlines along with how much time each job requires. These strategies optimize your schedule as you decide which tasks to drop or delegate. 

Learn to Say No.

Many of us are people-pleasers at heart. And sometimes, it’s tempting to accept every opportunity without considering if it fits our schedule. Unfortunately, overloading your desk is detrimental to time management. Plus, doing so undermines your performance and pushes you to burnout. Learn to set boundaries and to say no when necessary.

Get a Head Start.

If you can get a head start on a project, go for it! That way, if there are any “hiccups,” you’ll have time to handle them before the deadline. In addition, getting up earlier and starting your day with a calm, clear mind also proves effective.

Block Distractions.

One way to manage your time is to identify what distracts you. You probably already know what they are. For example, social media, phone calls, emails, and even a heart-to-heart with a colleague, derail your workflow. Sometimes, it’s helpful to shut off your phone, silence your emails, and put in an hour or so of focused work.

Don’t Multitask.

Focusing on one thing at a time seems counterintuitive, but multitasking slows you down. Instead, focus on one thing at a time. Consider batching your work. Work through similar tasks and activities in the same time block for maximum efficiency.

Take Breaks.

This plan also seems counterintuitive. But research shows that taking brief breaks throughout the day helps you refocus and sharpens your wits.

Track Your Time.

Tracking your time is another helpful time-management technique. Record how much time you spend on each task and distraction. (You’ll be amazed at how much time you waste!) The insight provided by this exercise makes you more time-conscious and productive.

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