As someone who grew up on a family farm in rural Michigan, I learned early on the importance of time management. There was always so much work to be done, and every minute counted. Over time, I developed my own set of time management techniques that helped me juggle my responsibilities during varying stages of life: on the farm, during college, in professional responsibilities, career growth, side hustles, and in my personal life.
The ability to successfully manage time gives you the opportunity to live every day as your best day in a rich, diverse and fulfilling way. I want to share some of my time management techniques with you. These are tips that I’ve used myself and have seen work wonders for countless others.
- Create a to-do list
One of the first time management techniques I learned was to create a to-do list. It’s such a simple thing, but it’s incredibly effective. By writing down everything you need to do, you free up valuable mental space that you can then use to focus on the task at hand.
When I started creating to-do lists, I found that I was able to tackle more tasks in less time, as I eliminated time trying to remember what was next. By breaking down my day into smaller increments of time, I was able to make steady progress on my to-do list without feeling overwhelmed. Visualizing your to-do list also allows you to lump tasks together and create efficiencies.
My to-do lists have evolved greatly throughout the years. The best way to succeed in making a to-do list is to just get started. Just do it. Your to-do list will evolve as you incorporate it into your life. Version 1 is meant to change and upgrade, but you can’t get to version 2 without version 1. The next key to to-do list success is to make it as frictionless as possible and to have it easily accessible throughout the day – even if that means you start with pen and paper.
I’m currently using a software called ClickUp to house my to-do list. This software easily allows you to change due dates and create subtasks which I find essential in breaking larger goals into smaller tasks.
- Use a calendar
Another technique that I found incredibly helpful was using a calendar. By scheduling out my day, week, and month in advance, I was able to avoid overbooking myself and ensure that I had enough time for everything that needed to be done.
I also found that using a calendar helped me stay motivated. When I saw everything that I had planned out for the day or week, it made me want to stay on track and get things done. You can also use your calendar to set reminders for important tasks or appointments, so you don’t forget anything.
- Delegate tasks
As someone who likes to be in control, I used to struggle with delegating tasks. But over time, I came to realize that delegating tasks is actually a key part of effective time management.
By delegating tasks to others, I was able to free up my own time and focus on more important tasks. I also found that delegation helped build trust and respect within my team, which ultimately led to better results.
When delegating tasks, make sure to choose the right person for the job. Consider each person’s skills and strengths when assigning tasks. Also, be clear about your expectations and provide clear instructions. Regular communication is key to successful delegation, so make sure to check in with the person you’ve delegated tasks to and provide feedback as needed.
- Take breaks
Taking breaks was something that I used to view as a waste of time. But as I learned more about time management, I came to see that taking breaks is critical for maintaining focus and productivity. Research shows that taking short breaks throughout the day can actually increase productivity and improve cognitive function.
Whenever I start to feel anxious or overwhelmed, I take a short break to clear my head. My favorite break is taking my dog for a walk outside, feeling the fresh air and sunshine is an instant mood booster for me and I can return to my tasks recharged. My second favorite break is meditating. Meditating doesn’t have to start out complex when I started, I’d simply close my eyes and take a few deep breaths. It’s amazing how much of a difference even just a few minutes can make.
Refrain from checking your phone or email during your break, as those are simply distractions that interfere with your ability to recharge.
- Avoid multitasking
Finally, I learned that multitasking is a myth. It’s impossible to truly focus on two things at once, and trying to do so only leads to decreased productivity and increased mistakes and stress.
Instead of multitasking, I learned to focus on one task at a time. By using the time-blocking technique, I was able to dedicate my full attention to each task on my to-do list and make steady progress throughout the day.
In conclusion, time management is a critical skill that can help you increase your productivity and reduce stress. By implementing these five essential time management techniques – creating a to-do list, using a calendar, delegating tasks, taking breaks, and avoiding multitasking – you can better manage your time and accomplish more in less time.
As someone who has personally struggled with time management in the past, I can attest to the effectiveness of these techniques. By creating a to-do list and prioritizing my tasks, I was able to stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Using a calendar allowed me to plan my days and weeks more effectively, and delegating tasks freed up my time to focus on more important things.
Remember, time is a finite resource, and we can never get it back once it’s gone. By managing your time effectively, you can achieve your goals and live a more fulfilling life. So, take the time to assess your current time management habits and consider implementing these techniques into your routine. You may be surprised at the positive impact they can have on your life and career.
Until next time, stay focused and make every minute count!
Best, Jeff
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