Managing our time is something that we all have to do, every single day. But we have never been trained in time management and how to use it in our lives.
We run busy lives. Finding time to juggle our family life, time with friends, work, exercise time, study time, the list goes on…
Unless you are an organised person, time can sometimes feel like your enemy.
As we become older, we find that we have even more responsibilities. It can become even more difficult to fit everything in.
Sometimes when we receive something extra to deal with, it can become too much. It can feel like the straw that broke the camel’s back. We can start feeling stressed and wonder how we are going to cope.
But it is possible to manage time and manage it well!
Definition of Time Management
To organise ourselves better, we need to clearly understand what time management is. According to Wikipedia:
“Time Management is the process of planning and exercising conscious control of time…especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity.”
Now that we know what it is, how are we going to use it? The answer is in the definition.
We need to plan and have conscious control of time.
Time Management And How To Use It
Step 1 – Don’t panic!
First…don’t panic. Ok, you have a lot of things to do, but it is all achievable.
I have spoken to many people over the years. Who said they have bought a time management book but never found the time to read it! The irony is obvious for everybody to see.
Is this you? If you answered yes, then I am glad that you are here!
You need to get past this panic stage and have the belief that YOU are in charge of your time. You’ve got this!
Stop. Stop right now and think about these questions.
- What do you need to do today?
- Of all the things I need to do, which is the most urgent?
- Which one is not that important at all?
- How much time do you have today to do these tasks?
Step 2
Once you have figured out the answers to these questions, you need to write them down. Or, if you prefer, type it down. Whatever works for you and you are comfortable with.
- Now you should have a list of things you need to do today.
- Highlight the most important one.
- And for the one that is not that important write “bottom” next to it.
- Now decide how much time you have for these tasks.
- Allocate this time to each task you need to do.
Step 3
No procrastination. Now is the time to act. Not tomorrow or next week.
Write or type your new list as follows:
- Put the most important task at the top.
- The task that has bottom written next to it, place this task at the bottom of your list.
- Now, look at the other tasks on your original list. Put them in the new list in the order of priority. Place them between the most important task and the one at the bottom.
- Next to each task don’t forget to put the allocated time.
- Now all you need to do is Start!
In Conclusion
Managing your time can be easy. All you need to do is sit down and plan your tasks and take control of your time. You are in charge.
And remember the Time Management quote from last week.
“The bad news is time flies fast, the good news is you’re the pilot!”
Michael Altshuler
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Sally Leslie is a motivational coach and optimist. She helps freelancers and entrepreneurs create balance in their lives and work towards their personal and professional goals. Sally is also a B2B freelance writer for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and startups. A lover of plants, freedom, and football!
