Managing time effectively is a skill that a lot of folks fail to take seriously. Time management is neglected at the peril of each and everyone one of us, and this must be corrected urgently.
What is time?
Time is the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole (Oxford Dictionary).
What is Management?
Management is the process of dealing with or controlling things or people. To clarify, it is the process of getting activities completed efficiently and effectively with and through other people.
What then is Time Management?
“Time management is the process of planning and exercising conscious control of time spent on specific activities. Most importantly, to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity.
It involves a juggling act of various demands upon a person relating to work, social life, family, hobbies, personal interests, and commitments with the finiteness of time.
Using time effectively gives the person “choice” on spending or managing activities at their own time and expediency”
Why Time Management Is Important.
Some argue that one of the greatest problems humans have today is “Time Poverty”. Consequently, most times, those who work have so much to do and very little time for their personal lives.
Time is your most precious resource and the most valuable thing you have as a human being. For example, Pastor T.D Jakes once said ” take my house and I’ll get another, take my car and I’ll buy another, but if you take my time, you have taken everything away from me”.
Facts about Time.
- Time is Perishable.
- It is irreplaceable.
- Wasted time cannot be saved.
To manage time properly; firstly, more time should allocated to highly valuable tasks. Secondly, tasks with little or no value should receive as little time as possible.
For example, in a scenario where you have a tight submission deadline, it is expected that you’ll spend a good chunk of your time completing this task. Doing that leaves you with very little time to swipe through social media networks or engage in invaluable activities.
How to best Manage Your Time.
Making the best use of your time is a skill that must be learned in order to become as successful as you possibly could. Below are some steps to successful time management.
1. Set Goals
Decide what your goals are, and what you want to accomplish in the years ahead. You can find out more on How to Set Priorities in Your Life.
2. Organised plans of Action
Action without planning is the cause of every failure. Take notes of your goal and objectives, and write the steps that will lead to its attainment.
3. Analysis
Make a list before you begin any task or job. Do this for each day and each week and check things off the list, as and when you accomplish them.
4. Set Priorities
Determine what is the most valuable use of your time. You should read Setting The Right Priorities Will Change Your Life!
5. Concentration
It is impossible to succeed on any task without deciding to concentrate and finish things off.
6. Set Deadline
You can reward yourself with something even as little as ice cream, every time you meet deadlines.
7. Time Log
Perform an analysis of where your time goes, and see what habits need changing.
8. Stop Procrastination
Develop a sense of urgency every time you feel the need to put things off for later. Break tasks into small pieces and do things NOW.
Avoid Interruptions
Don’t be a slave to telephones. Also, remember that most people are time wasters. Avoid the distractions!
Key Result Areas
Ask yourself what results are excepted of you to get a raise or grow your business. This will push you to stay focused on accomplishing the tasks.
Batched Tasks
Group your tasks and accomplish them at once.
Neatness
A tidy environment will increase your productivity. In time management, your wastebasket is your best friend. Moreover, the word NO is a magic word. Avoid doing things for others out of a sense of obligation.
Related Reading
Consequences Of Poor Time Management.
Recommended Books
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