Time Management: 12 Easy Tips to Master
Article originally found on workfaith.org
HOW DO YOU EVEN BEGIN?
Think about what you can do with time management in 5 seconds? How about 10 seconds? What about in a minute? Imagine what 30 minutes, or an hour looks like? First, know your abilities and limitations. This will help you plan how long you need to spend on your tasks for work and home life.
Second, work diligently so that you do not have to worry about your tasks when it is time to unwind and relax. Procrastination will only add to a backlog of duties and likely increase your stress levels.
#1) TECHNOLOGY FOR TIME MANAGEMENT
If you find yourself typing a lot on the job, learn how to use keyboard shortcuts that would save time on your reports and complete projects more efficiently.
#2) TALK TO TEXT AND SAVE TIME
This is a great tool, especially if you tend to suffer from dyslexia, arthritis, or if you are not much of a texter. Speak your commands clearly and the machine will be doing all the typing for you. You will find it is an easier task to complete.
#3) HEADPHONES FOR MULTI-TASKING
Multi-tasking is a skill set that can be tailored personally to you when you are aware of your abilities. Ensure that the result of your work is what you intend it to be and represents your skills and knowledge.
Do not multi-task while driving. Paying attention to the road ahead is the smarter decision. Consider the time, expense, and frustration an accident or traffic ticket will cost you and this will help you see the benefits of safe driving habits.
#4) PRIORITIZE WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE AND WHEN IT IS DUE
Additionally, recognize what tasks are most important. Rank these in order of urgent and importance.
#5) USE A CALENDAR TO KEEP TRACK
Set calendar appointments and use reasonable reminders that give you time to prepare for your day. You can review your tasks in the morning and prepare for the schedule ahead.
Calendar appointments now likely have address fields, which will allow you to hyperlink to a mapping application that automatically give you directions and an arrival time projection. I find most mapping applications, such as Google or Apple maps are getting better at predicting best routes for reaching your destination. Use these programs with their sophisticated algorithms to your advantage. They were designed specifically for this. Plan your day, do not let it plan you.
#6) TIME MANAGEMENT PHONE CALLS
Sometimes it is easier to make a quick phone call as opposed to writing a lengthy email or text message. This tends to have a higher impact on comprehension and understanding of what needs to be completed. Understand that there is a hierarchy in communication – in-person, on the phone, email, text message, or traditional mail. Each method of communication has its own effectiveness in terms of the message you are trying to deliver, level of detail involved, and timing of the delivery.
#7) WORK AS A TEAM WHEN IT MAKES MOST SENSE TO DO SO
Empower your team members to help you complete tasks and offer to help in return when workloads vary.
#8) CHECKLISTS AS TIME MANAGEMENT
You may have to write things down at first but once you have repeated the task multiple times, logical routine sets in. Naturally memorize those steps for future activities and complete them more efficiently.
#9) CALL AHEAD OF TIME, MAKE RESERVATIONS, AND ORDER ONLINE
Working smarter not harder tips cut out unnecessary wait times and help you become more efficient to complete work and get to the things you enjoy sooner.
#10) CONSIDER DELIVERY VERSUS COST OF YOUR TIME
Yes, there is a cost associated with most deliveries, however, you should at least consider a cost versus benefits analysis. An example is there are costs associated with driving to a restaurant or retail location. First, you must drive through traffic and face unruly drivers. Upon arrival, you will need to park and maybe pay for parking.
In addition, you will spend time walking to the location, standing in lines, and possibly dealing with bad weather. Will your vehicle be at risk? Will there be dings or dents when you get back or break-ins? Is the purchase too heavy or too large where delivery may be worth it? Also, will it be in stock when you get there? This can be a helpful tool if your purchase has delivery available.
Time saving techniques for everyday life can be crucial for maximizing your productivity – which is where you want to spend generating your income. Analyze your time and determine what it is worth. You will find yourself more motivated to make efficient use of it.
#11) A GOOD NIGHT’S REST ALWAYS BENEFITS YOUR TIME MANAGEMENT PROCESS
Furthermore, being less fatigued provides you with sharper focus and energy to do the little things that will benefit your time conservation efforts in the long run.
#12) BATCH YOUR ACTIVITIES TO SAVE TIME
Do not just go to the store to purchase one item. Moreover, create a mental or written list or including a checklist on your cellphone so you can pick up all the items you need at once.
In addition, If you visit the same retailer, you will get to know the layout of the store so you can get the items you need more efficiently and use the self-service checkout lanes which cut your time down waiting in lines. Shopping off-peak hours will help avoid crowds, traffic, parking issues, and long lines that will help shave time off.
CONCLUSION: TIME MANAGEMENT
In summary, time management can be a great tool for work and non-work-related tasks. Learn to apply these techniques and tools in both environments to reap the benefits. Use technologies and learn how you can take advantage of the tools that will save you time.
Complete tasks more efficiently one at a time and you will see the available space add up. The newly found availability will be yours with “free time” to catch that concert, show, or game you have been wanting to see or spending with family and building on those quality memories that matter the most.
AUTHOR: RUDY REYES
Rudy Reyes is a Vice President and the CRA Officer for Prosperity Bank. He has been in the banking industry for over 25 years and specializes in regulatory compliance. He has held a Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) designation for the last 10 years. He is a native Houston, graduate of the University of Houston, and enjoys helping his community and spending time with his family.