For many people, time management seems like an elusive dream. You may strive to make changes to improve your time management skills, only to fall short. By having good time management you will have less stress in your life, while also being more productive. You will also have time for the things that matter most, like family. Let 2017 be the year that you finally improve your time management skills once and for all.
1. Skip the To-Do Lists
While to-do lists can be helpful in certain circumstances, for many people they become unruly and overwhelming. What may start off as an effective way to prioritize your tasks and give you a sense of accomplishment as you check off each item may end up becoming a never ending list that discourages you from seeing any progress.
Rather than letting your to-do list spiral out of control with a never-ending string of tasks to be accomplished, consider scheduling appointments for your most important items. When you make an appointment, you carve out the necessary amount of time to dedicate to the task at hand. This can help you to prioritize and tackle your most vital tasks first, as there are only so many hours in a day available. It can help you set more realistic expectations, and accomplish more of the key items because you aren’t as likely to be overwhelmed thinking of everything else that still needs to be done. Simply move from one appointment to another, focusing only at the task at hand until it is completed.
2. Give Yourself a Little Wiggle Room
When you are scheduling your appointments allow for a little bit of a break between each one. This serves two purposes. First, it helps give you a mental break so you don’t feel like you are just moving from one task to another. Taking breaks helps lower your stress levels so that you can be more focused when it comes time to start the next task.
Secondly, it makes it less likely that unforeseen circumstances will derail your entire day. Life often presents unexpected challenges. If we are too overbooked, then even the smallest change in plans can have a chain reaction effect that undermines each of the items on your schedule. By allowing yourself a little wiggle room, you can minimize the impact these events have on your day, and give yourself an opportunity to get back on track.
3. Block Out Interruptions
We live in an interconnected world where distractions are abundant. Phone calls, emails, and social media notifications can all take our time and attention away from the task at hand. These distractions can all break your momentum, and impact your productivity. When you know that you have a task that requires your full concentration, take steps to reduce these distractions before you begin. Set your phone to Do Not Disturb, close out of your email, and turn off social media notifications until the task is complete.
Time management can make the difference between a rewarding and successful day, and a frustrating and disorganized day. By implementing a few basic tips you can take control of your day and be proactive in managing your schedule. Make 2017 the year that you improve your time management skills for good.
