7 Tips to Better Manage Time

Seven practical ways to get more done with less stress

There is a saying “Time IS Money!”  I believe this is true, especially during this COVID-era.  Since most of us are spending more time at home, time-management is more important than ever! 

They say, “WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER,” right? Do you know how to accomplish this? Time management and good organization are two of the most important skills one can have. Understanding time management and having a system in place is key to achieving balance and success.

What exactly is time management and why is it important?

Time management, AKA EFFICIENCY, enables you to get more work done, often with a better outcome, in less time. Once you have figured this out and what works for you, you will realize the benefits it brings.  These benefits include higher productivity, better task management, less stress, and a better work-life balance.

Some of these skills include:

• Organization
• Ability to Prioritize
• Set Attainable Goals
• Communicate Effectively
• Ability to Delegate Tasks
• Able to Handle Stress in a Positive Way

Keeping these 7 tips in mind will help you effectively manage your time:

1. Wake Up Earlier:  We all get the same 24 hours in a day and 168 hours in a week.   It is what we do with it is what counts! Consider waking up 15 minutes earlier a day will increase your productivity. Use this time to do something you enjoy, exercise, meditate, watch the sunrise. You will be surprised how this can enhance the rest of your day. You may even find that your most productive hours are before most people wake up.  This reminds me of the excellent “Marines” commercial that Marines do more before 6am than most people do in a day!
2. Attack Your Most Important Tasks in the Morning:  Once you start prioritizing this time to accomplish your critical tasks, or even the ones you dread doing, you will be able to efficiently manage your time for the rest of the day. Get it done and move on!  A mentor of mine said to make your bed as soon as you wake up which immediately completes your first task of the day!
3. Set Timers:  If you are one that is easily distracted with emails, phone calls, and of course the number one time-drain, social media, it is helpful to use a timer to keep you on track. Set your timer for 30 minutes and take that time to put away any distractions and solely focus for that time-period. Often, you may be able to go past the 30 minutes; however, it is a good tool to get your focus back.
4. Take Frequent Breaks: Giving yourself a break after about an hour, not only refreshes your mind, but if you’re sitting at your computer, you will be giving your eyes a break as well. Take 5-10 minutes, take a walk, get a drink of water and head back to your workspace.  You will be even more productive for the next hour.
5. Plan Ahead:  WHEN YOU FAIL TO PLAN, YOU PLAN TO FAIL! Try taking 10 minutes at the end of each day to tidy up your space, and write out a list of what you need to accomplish the next day. Once you get to your workspace in the morning, review your list and you will be able to dive right in, starting with your most important tasks.
6. Find Inspiration:  Listening to podcasts, YouTube how to’s or reading inspirational messages may reignite the fire to get you back on track!   Sometimes, I prefer listening to music to boost my energy and to pump out those tasks that I cannot seem to get off my to-do list.  Sometimes, I will supplement this with an afternoon iced coffee.
7. Stop Multi-Tasking: We all do it. We check our email while on a phone call. We check our phones during a meeting. Being present to the task will help you to stay focused and keep your mind from wandering. Blocking out time to complete tasks will ensure you get the important tasks completed! Leave your phone in the other room if it is a distraction to you.

Everyone wants to have more hours in the day, but the truth is, we don’t need more hours, we just need to effectively manage the hours we are given!  

I hope these tips are as helpful for you as they have been for me! 

I would love to hear some of your success stories. Feel free to email me at [email protected].

Stay Positive, Test Negative, Keep the Faith!