4 Great Tips for Time Management
The interactive world we live in allows for plenty of distractions. Oh really you say? Let me count the number of ways for you.
There are distractions by our:
- Coworkers
- Spouses
- Kids
- Cell phones
- TV, especially commercials!
- And on and on!
Then, there are our own vices like browsing at the latest sports scores or seeing which band is going to be playing at our favorite music venue. Right?
Some of these distractions are welcome and should be of course.
But all too often, they can become a nuisance that interferes with our productivity.
You hear me all you distractions? Lol
Use the following tips to stay focused. These are really good so pay attention!
1 – Determine Your Most Productive Work Times
We all have ebbs and flows in productivity. For instance, if you are a writer, you may find that writing in the morning is your most optimal time.
If that is the case, concentrate your writing schedule to mornings only and use the afternoon for other tasks.
You may need to track what you are doing for several days or weeks to see when these optimum times are occurring and their frequency. Or, you might already know.
And, there are software packages that can help do the tracking for you.
One to try is Pomodoro. It allows you to work in chunks of time so you at least “feel” like you’re productive.
2 – Plan on What Success Means To You
Just throwing together a bunch of tasks is as useful as having no tasks defined. In other words, neither are very useful. Use a To-do list tracker like you can find here.
Work with your coach to determine what kinds of tasks or goals will be needed for you to increase your productivity.
Your coach will have your objectives in mind which can be used to determine how you can contribute to those.
The great thing about doing this consistently is that you can make adjustments for the tasks that are not working out or where you need extra help.
This is actually a great time-saver because you might just be spinning your wheels at doing nothing. You think you are, but you’re just staying busy…it’s called “busy work”!
Your coach will praise you for trying to become more productive and for being proactive. (Praise!!)
3 – Give Yourself a Break
Having a well-defined plan is a great way to increase your productivity.
But don’t beat yourself up if you happen to have a few days that are not as productive as others.
Sometimes, the tasks are going to slip up and you are going to be more distracted than others.
And guess what? It’s normal and you should account for some downtime to recharge yourself. Take a nap, a bubble bath or take a walk to re-energize yourself.
No one is expecting you to be a productivity robot. (Usually, it’s you that thinks this way!)
4 – Be Consistent
Time management is a skill and needs to be learned and applied. Yes really! I heard your mind working on you, saying that you don’t have that “skill”. You have to learn it!
It takes some adjusting in the beginning but it’s really just a matter of changing how you structure it and the tasks to complete your work. Yup, you heard that right my friend.
Adjusting takes time, it’s not something you can do in just an hour a day.
This requires a consistent commitment to yourself and to making it work.
What is commitment? Something you need to seriously consider.
Here’s the definition:
the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc. “the company’s commitment to quality”
synonyms: dedication, devotion, allegiance, loyalty, faithfulness, fidelity ” her commitment to her students”- an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action.“business commitments”
synonyms: responsibility, obligation, duty, tie, liability;
So, tell me, what type of changes are you going to make to increase your “Time Management”?
Let me know in the comments below…I’d be interested in knowing what you do in your business.
If you are looking for someone to help you with your time management, connect with me. I would love to chat with you to see how I can help you create “Time Management” in your business.
