I attended a class on time management not long ago, and in my opinion, the knowledge is valuable for every success-driven individual. Therefore, I would like to share my learning takeaway in this article.
Have you ever wondered why some people are so relaxed in handling different tasks and delivering on time, while others are struggling from one task to the other never completing any?
I seriously doubt that the people struggling have more tasks, in fact, the situation might be the opposite.
What then makes the difference? It is called time management.
What is time management?
Time management simply means managing the time available for use.
It is the process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between different activities for the purpose of increasing effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity.
It can also refer to the art of having time to do everything that you need, without feeling stressed about it.
Benefits of time management.
- You achieve your goals faster.
- You get more done in less time.
- It reduces stress.
- It increases your level of productivity.
- You have a better work-life balance.
- It boosts confidence.
Nature of time
It is important to understand the nature of time to enable us to appreciate the need for time management.
- Time is indispensable
- Time is perishable- you cannot save it to be used later
- Time is consumable
- Time is irreplaceable
- Time is sufficient
To manage your time, you need the following:
1. Self-discipline: This is the ability to make yourself do things when you should, even if you do not want to do them.
2. Self-mastery: It is the ability to recognize and understand your thought processes, habits, and behaviours.
3. Self-control: This is the ability to not show your feelings or not do the things that your feelings make you want to do.
Some useful tips that will help in managing your time
- Keep a daily planner.
- Make a list of things to do.
- Fill up waiting time with other activities.
- Keep an organized desk.
- Maximize your most productive hours.
- Do not start your day without a list-Make sure it is written down.
- Think and plan before you act.
- Be organized- If you spend more than 30seconds looking for something you are not organized.
- Maximise your schedules: group your activities.
- If you must multi-task, do complementary and not competitive tasks.
- Spend most of your time on important but not urgent matters.
In conclusion, always remember these 4D’s of time management:
- Dump it if not important and it is a time-waster
- Delegate it if it is important but someone else can do it
- Defer it if it is not critical. That means it can wait. Schedule another time to complete it.
- Do it if it is important, urgent and no one else can do it.
It is important to note that time flies, but the good news is that you can pilot it to your advantage.
Time is money if you use it well, you will reap the benefits.
Time management is self-management and life management.
Thank you for reading.
#MMBA3
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