ABOUT TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS
What immediately comes in your mind when someone talks about time management skills? Well as a life coach, and after working with several people…, I came to an understanding that to effectively manage time… we have to acknowledge that time itself can’t be managed. More so, seven days is what we all have in a week and 165 hours withing those seven days. And this can’t be changed or increased in any way.
However, what we can modify, enhance and manage is ourselves. Therefore, true-time management now becomes the organization of ourselves self-management.
So having this in mind, we all are aware that it’s not the amount of time we have that’s significant. But how well and effectively we use that time that makes a difference. To add, prosperous people have the same time in a day as we all do. What makes them stand out is that they have an understanding ‘about time management skills’ and also use them effectively.
I have heard many people say they don’t have the time to acquire knowledge about time management skills. This happens a lot during life coaching sessions. But the truth is if this was true, do you think you’ll have the time not to?
Time management skills and principles don’t require deep thinking and are quite simple to learn and also put to practice. In short, if you were to search time management resources using a search engine…, you will find thousands of websites offering so much good information about effective time management skills. And also, recommendations on how to manage and prioritize your time.
In this article, I will be talking about the following;
a. Definition of Time management.
b. Effective skills in time management.
c. Importance of Time Management.
d. Time Management Skills Improvement.
THE DEFINITION OF TIME MANAGEMENT
According to Wikipedia, The definition of time management is the process of planning and exercising conscious control of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity.
Meanwhile, the definition of time management by Cambridge Dictionary is the practice of using the time that you have available in a useful and effective way, especially in your work.
Please share with us in the comment section what relationship these two definitions have in common.
EFFECTIVE SKILLS IN TIME MANAGEMENT
Having effective skills in time management means that you can manage your time. That is to say, getting a list of things done within a particular time frame. Besides, when you can attain your set tasks in a given time, you know you have good time management skills.
Are you that type of person who feels not having enough hours in a day for your daily activities?
Below are some effective time management skills that will help you acquire amazing time management skills in no time.
SET A TO DO LIST
I’m one of the people who would have answered the above question with a definite yes. Often, I used to be under pressure and uptight. Worrying that I didn’t have enough time to do what I wanted and needed to do.
Now, I set myself a to-do list which helps me to plan my time better. I have a priority list, which are the most important tasks to be completed in a day. Then, I focus on working through these jobs first and ensures that they are completed before the day ends.
If I manage to complete my most important activities, I then start on my second list. This list contains other important tasks which have to be completed as soon as possible but not necessarily that day.
Lastly, there goes my final list which is work that needs to be completed. However, there is no immediate rush to finish them.
At the end of the day, I then forward any undone tasks on either list to the next day. These tasks are added to the lists of the following day. This is a simple formula which has worked for me and which helps me to sleep better at night.
TAKE A BREAK
In the past when I used to struggle to work through my tasks, I would start to panic and would not allow myself a break. With this I have come to realize is a big mistake. My brain and that of most people has a certain concentration span. The brain gets tired when you continue to work without rest hence the work quality drops in that time. Most at times, it feels as if the brain punishes you for not rewarding it with rest.
Now, I make sure I take regular breaks and usually up to an hour for lunch. This helps me to return to my tasks fresh and alert. My brain is also happier which helps me to think clearer and quicker.
DO NOT RUSH
I’d always rush each task, eager to start on the next one. What I found was that this led me to make lots of silly errors which would have been avoided. Hence costing me more time to go back and amend these mistakes. Today, I now work at a speed I’m most comfortable with, as well as making just fewer errors.
DO NOT BEAT YOURSELF UP
When it concerns this, I am my own worst critic. I’d often go to bed and would be unable to sleep as I think about all of my unfinished activities. This makes me feel guilty and even ashamed of myself. This affects my new day tasks since I never had a great sleep and also feels tired as well.
This of course was like a vicious circle, which was making things a whole lot worse. With the help of some effective skills in time management, I’m easier on myself. Also, I have come to realise that all I can do each day is to try and do my best. If I am unable to complete a task or tasks that is fine, I will do it in the morning.
In short, I hope the above advice on skills in time management helps you to plan your day more effectively. And leads you to more positive and successful results.
IMPORTANCE OF TIME MANAGEMENT
When a person acquires knowledge about time management skills, it helps them spend more time on more difficult tasks. And because of everyday time constraints, we need to learn how to make the most of our time. That is to say, using the time we have without work to do more important tasks.
Below are carefully selected importance of time management which is an eyeopener to the people who need these skills.
1. Stress Reduction
Let’s take a moment to reflect on our day;
Is there something that’s been keeping you up at night with worry?
Do you feel as though you’re always busy, but accomplish little?
Are you unable to complete your work?
If your answer is “yes” then you probably are suffering from stress. Your health is likely suffering when you feel you don’t have control over your time or struggling to meet with your daily activities. Effective time management skills help decrease or even eliminate stress. Acquiring helpful time management skills helps you meet your deadlines. Also, you become more productive which intents lower your stress levels.
2. Improves Self-discipline
If you’ve noticed, most people who are self-discipline have a probability of having effective time management skills. Those are the type of people who put an end to procrastination and stay focus on achieving their goals. Also, self-discipline improves other areas of our lives. For example marriages, handling businesses, and other disciplines. In short, the better you are good at managing time, the better your self-discipline will be. Hence making you more successful at meeting goals in all areas of your life. Opens up new possibilities
One of the hidden dangers of poor time management is that it kills your chances of broadening your horizons. That is to say, you don’t think of other possibilities in investing in other lucrative opportunities. If you go through life rushing from one task to another, you never have the chance to explore different opportunities. With more free time, you may be able to volunteer at a local charity or help someone in need. It’s hard to put a dollar value on these types of tasks but they are innately fulfilling and enriching.
3. Improvement in work quality
Having good time management skills doesn’t mean that you pull all-nighters to meet a deadline. It means that you manage your time effectively and space out your work while keeping your regular sleeping routine. According to research, almost half of Americans regularly get insufficient or low-quality sleep and report that this interferes with their daily lives. You need a good night’s sleep if you want to produce quality work; effective time management skills will help you get the rest you need.
4. Winding down is essential
Between work, family commitments and running errands, most of us don’t get enough time to relax. If you want to have enough time to unwind, relax and prepare for the following day, effective time management skills are essential. You need to know how to organize your work times and your break times. This helps you bounce back mentally and physically after a long day’s work.
5. Improves on personal relationships
Good time management skills are essential to have strong and productive relationships. The more free time you have to spend with your friends and family, the better your relationships will be. You’ll make better decisions have better ideas, and people around you will notice. Stronger personal relationships will enhance all aspects of your life. I’m everyone will agree on this.
6. Enhances your decision-making ability
Time management skills help you avoid stress and get enough sleep. This has a powerful effect on the quality of your decisions and, also affects almost every aspect of your life. That is from your career progression to your friendships, relationships, and social life. Through effective time management, you avoid making poor decisions that you make when you’re feeling stressed, tired or pressured.
7. Boost your career
Rather than going with the flow, having good skills in time management lets you control your life. Hence makes you take the lead at work. By getting enough quality rest and sleep, you’ll be better placed to make sound decisions at work. Others will notice and this will help increase your opportunities for promotion.
8. You are open to more opportunities
Poor time management skills will destroy your productivity and this, in turn, will cause you to miss opportunities. For example, if a colleague consistently outperforms you at work, they’ll likely be promoted ahead of you. If you want to rise through the ranks, good skills in time management will help you manage your time. Hence opens doors for you to capitalize on more opportunities.
9. More is accomplished
Being in control of your time is great for productivity. You’ll find that you can get far more done in less time when you aren’t constantly rushed off your feet. You’ll have enhanced focus and efficiency because you won’t lose momentum. For instance, having to deal with multiple time-sensitive tasks in a rushed manner. You’ll breeze through your workday and time will fly by.
Where you inspire with the importance of time management? If yes which of these have you been missing out on?
TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS IMPROVEMENT
By now you should be filled and powered up with so much information about time management skills and its importance. The trick is to organize your daily task and use your time effectively to get more things done each day.
In this chapter, we will talk on how you can improve your time management skills. Below are some points on time management skills improvement.
1. Set Short and Long-term Goals
Practising regular goal-setting can help you clearly understand exactly what you need to accomplish to achieve certain results. To hit larger, long-term goals, identify smaller milestone goals along the way. For example, if you have a goal to be promoted within six months, you might need to set smaller goals to improve on certain skills. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based. Here are some goal setting quotes to remind you daily on how important your dreams are.
2. Prioritize Your Work and Time
Before the start of the day, make a list of tasks that need your immediate attention. Unimportant tasks can consume much of your precious time. We tend to offer these too much of our energy because they are easier or less stressful.
However, identifying urgent tasks that need to be completed on that day is critical to your productivity. Once you know where to put your energy, you will start to get things done in an order that works for you and your schedule.
3. Design a Schedule
Carry a planner or notebook with you and list all the tasks that come to your mind. Being able to check off items as you complete them will give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated.
Also, create a simple ‘To Do’ list before the start of the day, prioritize the task and focus on the urgencies.
CONCLUSION
You’ll get more done and in less time when you get clear about what’s on your plate.
Achieving effective skills in time management requires a daily practice of organizing tasks and prioritizing them. Most importantly prioritizing them in a way that can save time while achieving more.
So use the above strategies about time management skills for a few weeks and see the results. In short, you may be surprised just how much more time you seem to have.
Please if this was helpful, let us know in the comments section. Also, support me by sharing this article to your favourite media platforms. This will go a long way to not only helping you but also helping your love ones.
Why is it important to have time management skills?
Time management skills help you avoid stress and get enough sleep. This has a powerful effect on the quality of your decisions and, also affects almost every aspect of your life. That is from your career progression to your friendships, relationships, and social life. Through effective time management, you avoid making poor decisions that you make when you’re feeling stressed, tired or pressured.
What are the 5 key elements of time management?
To help you get started, I’ve picked out the 5 most important pieces of the time management concept and outlined them here for you:
Eliminate the Unnecessary. This becomes more and more true every day. …
Plan Your Work. …
Gain more time to do other things
Results in Stress Management
Career Boost
How do you manage your time?
Have a Time Check. Know exactly how you spend your time. …
Set a Time Limit. Setting a time limit for a task can be fun. …
Use Software Tools for Time Management. …
Have a To-Do List. …
Plan Ahead. …
Start with Your Most Important Tasks. …
Delegate and Outsource. …
Focus on One Task at a Time.
This is so much useful information about time management. I am so guilty because it was like you were talking to me directly. I felt some relief after reading this.
Now I must say I am ready to put these amazing tips into practice so I free myself from stress, and gain more time for other amazing opportunities. Thanks a lot for sharing this…