Complete your MITs in the morning
Managing your time starts with managing your priorities. Starting your workday off by completing your most important tasks (MITs) can be very beneficial. Usually, the time that you have the most energy is at the beginning of your workday so it’s best to complete the high priority task first. This can also be beneficial because you can use the energy and feeling of accomplishment from your first task to get through the rest.
Eliminate distractions
Many believe that in this point in time there are more “distractions” than before. We can sometimes cater to the needs of society instead of doing what we should be doing. In an article written by author James Clear, he describes something that goes by the name of “half-work” and gives a few examples as well;
- You’re writing a report, but stop randomly to check your phone for no reason.
- While talking on the phone, your mind wanders to your email inbox.
The end product of half-work is always the same. You are never fully engaged in what you’re doing and its hard to focus on one task for an extended period of time.
Create cooldown-time between tasks
Going from one task/meeting to another might look like a good utilization of your time but it can actually be the opposite. Take time to clear your mind and recharge. Take about a 15-20-minute break in between to reflect on what you’ve just done and/or begin to mentally prepare yourself for the next task or meeting.
Never procrastinate
If you know that something can be done today, then do it today. If something in your schedule changes and leaves a gap, don’t be afraid to start on the next days tasks to have your week completed early. Last thing you want is to be stuck on a last-minute project and the end of your week.
Make a schedule
Having a set schedule and sticking to it is a huge tool for staying on top of your work. Leave some space for surprises as we all know they are bound to happen but having a general idea of what your normal day will look like is always a plus.
To be an expert at time management, it requires a lot of discipline and willingness to be successful. Hopefully these few tips pay off with higher productivity and lower stress.