How may time management be used? What is it?
What is time management, and how can it be used?
Ever wondered how people have so much time? They are able to move effortlessly from one project to another, completing both professional and personal tasks with ease. Some people, on the other hand, are plagued by never-ending lists of tasks and deadlines.
It’s just a good time-management technique. Some people are born with these skills, but others can learn and develop them.
Why is time management important?
Skills in time management can help people work more efficiently, reduce stress, and achieve better results at work, school, and even during leisure. It’s possible to spend time more efficiently and effectively by developing better time management skills. In our previous article you can find out how to become more productive, which could also be useful for time management.
The importance of managing time has never been greater than during the pandemic, and subsequent increase in people working from home. It became more important for families, students, and workers to plan their day effectively as the lines between home and work blurred. Many people began to strive for working smarter and not necessarily harder.
Time management techniques are beneficial to students, particularly those who have other obligations such as work or family. These techniques help students to gain confidence in their studies, and they can develop skills that will last a lifetime.
It is not only beneficial to their immediate study but also in the future. In their course, Skills to Succeed At University, the University of Leeds highlights how time management is important at university.
Improve your time management skills
Most people have difficulty managing their time. Here are some of our best time management strategies, tips and courses to boost your productivity.
Time management strategies
Are you looking for tried and tested strategies to manage your time? We discuss below four proven strategies to help you manage your time better and feel more satisfied.
1. Pomodoro Technique
This time management system was developed in the 1980s, by Francesco Cirillo. It encourages users identify actionable tasks. Then they set a clock (usually for 25 minutes), and dedicate a certain amount of time to work on them without interruptions. This system encourages users to make the most of their time and shows how distractions like social media, phones and 24/7 culture can drain your time. We can accomplish tasks more quickly without these distractions.
2. Eat That Frog
Brian Tracy developed this technique, based on the Mark Twain famous quote: “Eat a frog live first thing in morning, and nothing worse will ever happen to you for the rest the day.” This represents the most difficult task you have to do, the one you’re likely to put off. But by doing that, you also impede your other tasks. The frog represents the worst task of your day. By doing this first, you will be able to tackle all other tasks.
3. Getting Things Done
Business Management consultant who created the LIFO Method to help people better manage their time and work. The LIFO method involves listing all outstanding tasks in order of importance. The person then completes all the smaller, simpler tasks before moving on to the larger, complexer tasks. The smaller, easier to manage tasks are completed.
This strategy relies on the principle that writing down the tasks allows you to focus your attention on the actual task, instead of trying to remember everything. It reduces the feelings of anxiety and overwhelm that are common when juggling multiple tasks. Lulea University of Technology offers a course on how to manage stress by using time management.
4. The 80/20 Rule
The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle or the Pareto Principle, states that 20% of the output you produce will yield 80% of the results. Concentrating on this 20% of your activity will allow you to achieve more in less time. Work smarter, not harder. This rule applies to almost every aspect of your life including work, study, diet, and exercise.
This is a great strategy for time management. You can analyze where you spend your time and monitor the results. Then, adjust your activities to maximize your outcome by giving high-value activities more attention.
Top 5 time management tips
Try our time management tricks to get back on track if you feel unproductive and distracted. These tips can help you start your task and complete it efficiently.
1. Plan your strategy
You can start the day by creating a list of tasks that you must complete. This can be done by making a list or setting up reminders in your phone. Mark off the tasks you have completed to monitor your progress.
2. Limit distractions
You can reduce distractions by switching to aeroplane mode or turning off email and social media notifications. Apps are available to assist you. Set a 30-minute timer for checking your emails or messages. This will prevent you from being constantly distracted and connected.
3. Create a routine that is unique to you
You can make the most of your time by creating a daily routine that fits your productivity style. Schedule high priority tasks early in the day if you are most productive in the morning. Some people are more productive after lunch. Effective time management is all about working with your own natural rhythms.
4. Take a Break
It is important to take time out to relax. You will be able to come back to your tasks with renewed energy and focus if you take time away from work. The Mindfulness for Peak Performance and Well-being course is a great way to learn about mindfulness, and how it increases productivity.
5. Concentrate on one task
It is important to focus only on one task at a given time, even if you have several tasks that require your attention. Multitasking may be seen as an honour by some, but focusing on a single task produces better and faster results.
