How many times have you said, “If I only had an extra hour in the day?” We never seem to have enough time to do the things we want to do. At iStratus, we are a little obsessed with using tools such as task lists, folders, and calendars to add time to our days. In this article, we will share ten time management tips that will change your life and add hours to your days.
With time management, the key is breaking down your tasks into manageable chunks. One way to do this is by creating a daily to-do list. By writing out a plan for yourself of what needs to be done each day, you can enhance your productivity by giving focus and direction to your time. You may even find it helpful to assign time frames to each task. That way you can know exactly how much time you have allotted for a particular action and better plan accordingly.
Another time management tip is to schedule time for yourself. Just as we schedule time for tasks and errands, it’s just as important to carve out time during the day for rest and relaxation. This time is crucial to help you stay focused and productive.
It’s also important to use technology to your advantage when it comes to time management. Many time management tools are available which allow you to better track and organize tasks, so you can spend less time searching for information and more time completing the task at hand.
10 Time Management Tricks That Will Help You Get More Done In Less Time
1. Live by your to-do list
Successful people live by their to-do lists. By creating a to-do list at the beginning of the day, they are intentional about what they have to accomplish throughout the day. If you want to get more done in less time, start with a to-do list. Make a to-do list every morning and refer back to it throughout the day. In iStratus, your task list is built right in.
2. Eliminate things from your to-do list
When you look at the list, consider what on there absolutely has to be done. Is it something you could take off your list altogether? If so, eliminate it. Understanding that not every task is important is a big reason successful people get so much done. They are able to focus on what must happen instead of focusing on less important tasks.
3. Automate items on your list
Automation is more and more prevalent today. Are there tasks that can be automated and removed from your list not just today but in the future as well? Examples of tasks you may be able to automate are reminders about upcoming deadlines or thank-you notes for events. Automating these tasks will save time, increase efficiency and reduce stress.
4. Delegate
This is probably the time management tip people skip most often. Delegating is difficult for most people because they have to let go of control. But when you look at the tasks on your lists, are some of them below your pay grade? Chances are there are several that are. Which tasks can you ask someone else to handle? Maybe it’s as simple as asking one of your children to take the trash out each week or having your spouse do the grocery shopping. If you are a business owner, maybe it’s time to hire a bookkeeper or someone who handles your marketing. Delegation multiplies the time you have to do things.
5. Breakdown into smaller sections
Sometimes, your to-do list can be overwhelming. That’s why we encourage you to break down tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. That way, you can focus on one small chunk at a time and get it done. It’s much easier to finish the task when it’s broken down into smaller sections.
6. Take breaks
No matter how time-crunched you are, it’s important to take periodic breaks throughout the day. Taking small breaks helps you to re-energize and refocus when you feel overwhelmed. This can help increase productivity and time management. One way to make the most of a break is to use these small breaks to go outside and walk throughout the day. It gives you the opportunity to free up your mind and get your steps in at the same time.
7. Set deadlines
Having deadlines is important to time management success. Setting deadlines helps you stay on track and motivates you to get things done. Plus, it forces you to prioritize and focus on the tasks that need your attention. In iStratus, you can set deadlines for yourself, or even assign tasks to others with deadlines in mind.
8. Block out distractions
This time management tip is essential in today’s world. With the internet and social media, it is easy to get sidetracked by constant notifications and messages. Set time limits for yourself on social media and time-consuming tasks. Make sure to turn notifications off during the time you are trying to work on a task. This will help you stay focused and get more done in less time.
9. Schedule time for yourself and your personal needs
We often forget to factor time for ourselves into our time management plan. We get so busy with our tasks that we don’t leave any time for ourselves. Schedule time each day when you can do something just for yourself, whether it’s yoga or taking a walk, or reading a book. It’s important to take time for yourself each day, as it will help you stay motivated and productive in the long run.
10. Review your progress
Finally, it’s important to review your time management plan each day. Take a few minutes at the end of the day to assess what went right, what went wrong, and what can be improved upon. This will help you identify time management traps and make time for those tasks that often get forgotten.
By following these time management tips, you will be able to add hours to your day and make the most of the time available. With improved time management comes increased productivity and a better quality of life. So, what are you waiting for? Try these time management tips and see for yourself the difference they can make in your life. With time, energy, and focus, you will be able to live your best life.