How To Be Better at Time Management

Last Updated on July 30, 2022 by Sanidhya Arora

Time is one of our most valuable resource, but using this resource wisely is something many people fail to do. It is vital to master the skill of time management when striving to be more productive and successful.

The main advantage of good time management is that you ensure you are productive throughout the day, and you don’t spend too much time doing things that aren’t constructive in the long term. 

Poor time management can lead to:

1. Stress
2. Being Unorganized 
3. Demotivated
4. Bad mood
5. Not being able to meet deadlines

We all aim to use our time effectively, but it is always tough to do so. This is my guide to use your time in the most efficient way possible: 

1. Prioritize:

This means putting the most important things at the top of your ‘to-do’ list. Prioritizing things ensures you don’t miss out on finishing the important work. When prioritizing,

• Do the important tasks first 
• Not so important tasks later.

This is the first step to take in order to manage your time well.

2. Create a timetable/schedule:

Creating a schedule is a great way of managing your time. A schedule helps allocate time to specific tasks, and keeps you focused on achieving your goals.

A well design timetable should include your goals for the day/week. Sticking to your timetable is the most difficult part, so make sure to include some ‘fun time’ as well! This way you will look forward to your day, and not feel bored. 

Here’s a step by step guide on how to make a timetable

3. Set goals:

Goal setting is essential when trying to manage your time. Having goals keeps you focused on the bigger picture. Setting goals keep you motivated and give you a clarity when making decisions. Setting goals also help prioritize, and by now you know the importance of prioritizing.

Remember- set goals that are achievable. If you set unrealistic goals, it will only undermine your confidence. Your goals should be SMART( Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time bound).

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to set goals // link this

4. Don’t procrastinate:

We are all victims of procrastinating. In simple terms, procrastinating means constantly delaying or postponing things, because of the fear of failure. Don’t waste time overthinking. These are some ways in which you can completely avoid procrastination:

• Be optimistic and have a positive attitude 
• Don’t think of the worst possible outcome
• Don’t get easily influenced by negative ideologies.

It’s always easy to procrastinate and postpone things, never take the easier approach. A wise man once said “Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations”. Although that wise man isn’t me, this quote is true, try to do things no one else does and you will surely reap the rewards!

DON’T BE THIS GUY!!

5. DO NOT GET DISTRACTED:

Probably the most important point of them all, NEVER EVER LET DISTRACTIONS INTERFERE WITH YOUR WORK. There are endless amount of distractions, that can be video games, social media, music, basically the internet.

When you get distracted from the task in hand, you tend to lose the motivation to continue working and feel like doing something else. This can lead to a lot of work not getting done. Try to minimize distractions by:

• Setting aside around 3 hours a day in which you only focus on your work.
• Take frequent breaks so you don’t feel like your are missing something
• During your breaks, try go out for a walk, this way you feel fresh
• When you are working, keep distractions like your phone far away from your sight.

Follow these simple steps and trust me, you won’t be tempted to get distracted!

Now that you have read this article, it’s time to get started! You have all the ingredients to be able to manage your time, it’s up to you now to be a better version of yourself. “Aim to be 1% better than you were yesterday, and over time you will be a much better version of yourself”.