Time management – what does this actually mean?
For me it’s maximising your time to be as productive as you can. This can be work related or even home related. Making every minute count. Life is short, do you really want to be working your life away. You work to live, not live to work, live your best life.
We are on this earth once, let’s make that count.
I’m easily distracted, so for me short bursts are good. I’m also a list maker. It helps me manage my priorities. However, I’m also an avoider.
Anyone who knows me well knows I quite dislike data, which given part of my other life in Business Change and one of my tasks is benefits management. I have a love hate relationship with this particular area and it’s something I have to motivate myself up to.
What do you understand about yourself? Do you procrastinate, or do you go full in and forget to lift your head for rest? I’m a bit of both, depending on what I have to do.
A few years ago, I was introduced by a technique by my current leader in ‘The Pomodoro Technique’.
This method is breaking up your day in 25-minute chunks with a five-minute break in between. After four Pomodoro’s you take a longer break of about 15/20 minutes.
The idea is instilling a sense of urgency.
I’ve used this recently when becoming overwhelmed with tasks. I had over two pages of tasks to do in one day. So, I prioritised and did the technique. I didn’t get through all of them, but I made a pretty good dent. It felt good that I had achieved a lot in that day which I didn’t think I would.
I’ve also come to realise over the years, that there will always be something that needs to be done. There will be a list of sorts.
So, my tips for time management:-
- have a list – tackle the most important – prioritise and use the 80/20 rule (try and get 80% done)
- delegate what you can, it helps develops your team, as well as takes the burden off your shoulders
- be honest if you cannot meet a deadline, discuss if appropriate what to drop
- say no when you know you cannot achieve what is being asked, or negotiate a different timescale. You don’t have to agree to every piece of work
- take regular breaks, it keeps your mind sharper
- manage distractions, if you don’t need your mobile phone, put it away
- be self-aware, track your time – use techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique with a timer, find what works for you
- don’t sweat the small stuff – in most cases, it’s all small stuff
If you have techniques you’d like to share, please comment below
Supporting Information
How to stay focused using the Pomodoro Technique
10 Timeless Time Management Techniques
10 Time Management Tips to Boost Your Productivity
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