Managing Your Time Effectively

Time Management refers to managing time effectively so that the right time is allocated to the right activity. Effective time management allows individuals to assign specific time slots to activities as per their importance.

An individual should understand the value of time so as to succeed in all aspects of life. People who waste time are the ones who fail to create an identity of their own.

‘It is better to waste money, than it is to waste time. You can always get more money.’
Hall Sparks

If you don’t plan ahead and stick to daily goals, you will be less efficient. For example, if you have several different types of tasks to perform, an efficient plan of attack is to complete similar tasks at the same time. This optimizes work flow. If you don’t manage your time well, you might end up jumping from one type of task to another to meet a fast-approaching deadline. This leads to inefficient work flow and low productivity.

Effective time management includes ignoring distractions that prevent you from completing important tasks. For example, nonessential contact with friends and family during work hours might cause you to lose focus or procrastinate. This is an ineffective use of your time. Notify your friends and family that you will not take calls during specified working hours. Ask them to respect your need to focus. If this tactic fails, allow their calls to go to an answering machine. Record a voice message reminding them of the best time to reach you. Return calls later during your free time.

The more things you are good at, the more people will think you have talent, and the more opportunities you are presented with, the harder time management becomes.

Time will march on, no matter what you do. Whether you plan your day well and accomplish a lot or you just relax and watch TV, tomorrow will come. Time goes on with no consideration of you or your plans.

Time management can be linked to self-management. Since you only have 24 hours in a day, just like everyone else, you must use it wisely if you want to realize your dreams.

We are all at risk of allowing urgent things to occupy all our available time to the extent that we do not spend any of our time on the things that are truly important to us.

If you don’t manage your time well, your work quality will suffer. In trying to complete tasks at the last minute, you will sacrifice quality for speed. Avoid this problem by dividing tasks up across a reasonable length of time. Complete a set amount every day. Leave yourself enough time at the end to check for mistakes and to make last-minute changes. Your employer or clients will appreciate the extra effort and the quality it produces.

Read: How to Manage Stress in Tough times