We have all lost track of time at some point in our lives - whether it's being late, running out of time when trying to finish an important project, or getting distracted when we should be focused.
Time management doesn't come naturally to everyone but there are methods that can help with staying on top of your schedule and ahead of the game!
Keeping Track Of What's Important
If we know what we have to get done, prioritizing allows us to focus on the most important tasks ahead of us. This helps us sort between things that we have to do and things that we would like to do.
Filling our schedule with things we don't necessarily need to do leaves less time to complete must-do tasks.
Organization Is Key
Organizing our priorities involves setting actual timelines for tasks to be completed. Writing things down helps to keep a visual timeline of what needs to be done.
Example task: writing an essay for school.
Steps:
Choose a topic
Research
Develop arguments
Write the essay
Add references
Edit
Designating time for each step helps you manage your work so you can complete the essay on time. This lowers your chances of rushing at the last minute.
Staying on track
Have you ever been doing something for a while and then checked the time, wondering where it went? Setting timers help us to be mindful of how long we usually need for certain tasks, which can help us decide when to do them in the future.
Timers can also remind us to take a break or work on something else, so we can keep our schedule balanced.
Prepare In Advance
If you expect to have a busy day, take some time the night before to organize the things you will need.
For example: you have a busy work day but would like to fit in a morning jog.
Getting your running shoes and exercise gear prepared the night before means it's ready for you when you wake up. You'll use less time and energy in the morning.
Be mindful of how you feel throughout the day. If you have the option, schedule important activities when you feel most energetic and focused. If you're working with a team on a project, delegate tasks to be more efficient.
Quiz
Angela has a habit of being late. She has a job and arrives on time but she usually takes long lunch breaks. She says she simply loses track of time. What could Angela try that might help her keep track of her breaks?
Take Action
Life can be very busy and sometimes it can feel like there's too much to do.
Prioritizing, staying organized, and keeping track of the time we spend on tasks can help hectic schedules become more manageable and productive.
It's also important to remember to take time for breaks in order to eat, sleep, relax and unwind, regardless of how busy our lives might be!
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At the end of the week reflect: did I make better use of my time?
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