“The most efficient way to live reasonably is every morning to make a plan of one’s day and every night to examine the results obtained.”
-Alexis Carrel
People always make an excuse that there is never enough time in one day to finish some certain task and that it is impossible to make it through because of stress and worn out. Lack of time isn’t the main problem here, but your skill in managing your time is. There are plenty of ideas and tactics that can help you to improve your time managing skill. Making your own customized bullet journals, to do list, daily task planners and such. You can always start with bullet journals. Bullet journal is the easiest way for starters. You can boost your creativity skills by using one. There are also printable planners available in internet that can make it so much easy for you.
Not sure; someday; maybe; tomorrow, perhaps, not yet; whenever; another day; next week; later; one day – these are the common words we say and hear that indicates inactivity and leads to procrastination or delays. An effective individual knows how to separate and organize time with work, housekeeping chores, personal recreations, and family. Enough with the poor management and start living an efficient lifestyle. Better now or never!
First things first!
What is Time Management?
“Time management” is the process of organizing and planning how to divide our time between specific activities. Good time management enables you to work smarter and not harder, so that you get more things done in less time, even when time is tight and pressures are high. Failing to manage your time damages your effectiveness and causes stress.
The Steps to Effective Time Management:
#1. Long term vision.
#2. Prioritization and delegation.
#3. Scheduling and organizing.
#4. Concentration.
#5. Avoiding procrastination.
#6. Reduce interruptions and distractions.
#7. Efficient meeting and effective communication.
#8. Avoid perfectionism.
#9. Become self-assured and confident.
What are the benefits of Time Management?
- Greater productivity and efficiency.
- Better professional reputation.
- Lessen your stress.
- Increases opportunities for advancement.
- Higher opportunities in achieving important goals.
- Discipline.
Failure occurs without Time Management, here are the consequences:
- Missing your project deadlines.
- Inefficient work flow.
- Poor work quality.
- Poor professional reputation and career.
- Higher the stress.
10 Strategies for learners: (For students and Adults)
#1. Focus on long-term goals. It’s hard to get to your destination if you don’t know where you are going. Immediate and short-term goals will lead to accomplishing long-term goals.
#2. Write a To-Do List. Keeping a journal or to-do list serves as a reminder and record of the important tasks that you need to prioritize.
#3. Prioritize your work constantly. Decide what important task is to be done first. Planners can help you organize your week.
#4. Budget your time. Creating a weekly schedule will help you determine how much time you spend on your activities. Don’t forget to include some time for rest and relaxation.
#5. Be realistic about time. Academic work takes a lot of time, so be realistic about the time you will spend on each task.
#6. Work out your optimum study method. Study in the manner in which you learn best. At home or the library? Alone or in a group? In silence or with music? Always find what works best for you.
#7. Find a dedicated space and time. Create a place free of distractions where you can focus and complete your workloads, projects and assignments.
#8. Review your notes regularly. Reviewing your notes will help you prepare for the next plans and think of the things you may need to do after.
#9. Solicit help when you need it. Let your family and friends know your schedule and needs. A little support can go a long way.
#10. Don’t be afraid to say “NO”. Sometimes you have to decline an activity to make a time for something else important. If it’s necessary and has to be done first, then DO IT. You can always move a schedule for rejected task. Just be sure to manage it well and get it done in future.
From “10 Strategies for College Students and Adult Learners” – (Source: educatedrooster)
It takes time to really understand how time management works. For starters, you will always fail to finish certain task you have planned throughout the day. Practice and learn different tools in order to improve your time management skill. If things didn’t work with your way, always find a way to make it.
