Everyone faces the challenges of everyday life, which can sometimes make us feel overwhelmed when trying to manage our time. However, there are effective ways to improve time management, even with a busy schedule.
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Here are some expert tips to help you manage your time more effectively.
1. Don’t be a ‘Multitasker’
"Multitasking involves dividing your attention among several tasks, which means you can't fully concentrate on any of them. If you need to accomplish something effectively, it’s best to focus entirely on that task. This approach will help you complete tasks more quickly and improve the quality of your results." - Claire Mitchell, founder of The Girls Mean Business.
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2. Make a “Not-To-Do” List
Not all time management tips emphasize to-do lists. Rosie Gray, a time management expert from Bach Original Flower Remedies and founder of Mosaic Learning, suggests creating a not-to-do list in addition to your to-do list. She advises setting aside any distractions that could waste valuable time that might be better spent on important tasks.
3. Make Yourself Uninterruptible
“We often get distracted from our tasks by phone calls, colleagues, emails, and social media. The issue arises because we do not establish a protective ‘work bubble,’” says Claire Mitchell.
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If you need to focus and finish work, turn off your phone and email for 30 minutes. Set a timer to create a sense of urgency and give yourself a deadline to complete one important task. To minimize interruptions from colleagues, wear earphones. Once you finish the task, you can make yourself available again. This will help train those around you to understand when it’s best not to disturb you.
4. Try the One-Day Rule
This time management tip will inspire you to accomplish your most important tasks within a realistic timeframe. Claire Mitchell suggests, “Think about how productive you were the day before going on holiday.” You had just one day to tackle a mountain of work, which seemed impossible, yet you managed to get it done. This success was due to your ability to be ruthless with your to-do list.
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Adopt this mindset whenever you need to make significant progress on your workload: Imagine you only have one day to complete everything. If a task isn't essential, let it go. Delegate what you can and focus on finishing your work instead of stressing about achieving perfection.
5. Keep It Realistics
“Be realistic about what you can and cannot do,” advises Rosie Gray. You have a limited amount of time, so it’s important to choose how to spend it wisely. Working 12-hour days is not feasible if you should only be working 8 hours. By understanding how long tasks typically take, you'll improve your scheduling in the future. This awareness will help you provide accurate estimates and meet deadlines more easily.
6. Learn to Say No
Effective time management can boost your efficiency, but it's crucial to recognize when you might be taking on too much. Simon Alexander Ong, a life designer and success strategist, advises, “Avoid overwhelming yourself with overcommitment, as it can increase the likelihood of failing in certain areas.”
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Consider what you can remove from your schedule to accommodate additional requests, and evaluate if it is worth doing so. If you must take on these extra tasks, focus on letting go of anything that might distract you from your most important responsibilities.
