Lately, I’ve heard a few people said, “I wish I had 48 hours a day instead of 24.” Few may share the same sentiment, but for sure most of us want to be more efficient. It seems we start each day wanting to get so much done, but then we find ourselves being distracted, focusing on not-so-important tasks or sometimes procrastinating.
Fun fact: 96% of people check their mobile phone within one hour of waking up in the morning and 61% take a look at their phone within the first 5 minutes!!
Being able to manage your time well is important; it improves productivity, reduces stress and leads more fulfillment and success in life. Here are some ways to help you manage time and become more efficient in your daily life.
Plan ahead:
Plan your day the night before, write down the to-dos on your planner or notebook and prioritize them according to their importance and urgency. Remember to assign time and place that you intend to do and make sure you finish them before moving on to other tasks.
Skip “them” first thing in the morning:
I had a habit of checking emails and social media first thing in the morning. Before I knew it, I spent quite a time on them. You? Make a habit to allocate dedicated time for emails and social media instead of being consumed when you first start your day.
Take a break in between tasks:
Taking a break between tasks not only allows you to clear your head, stretch and refresh yourself, it also allows you to pause and assess your progress. It furthermore helps you stay focused and productive.
Eliminate distractions and noises:
It’s crucial to remove unnecessary distractions and non-essential activities which will free up more time for you to focus on the important stuff. Oftentimes, time is wasted on communication via email and text. When you notice it, just pick up the phone and talk.
Turn off your inner perfectionist:
I’ve worked with quite a few perfectionists who take pride of the best work that they do. Perfection can be unrealistic and hold you back from accomplishing your tasks. Set realistic goals, achieve them and move onward!
Say no:
It’s very attempting to say yes when you see exciting opportunities, and you end up burying yourself and piling up your commitments to others. Saying no is hard, and it takes conscious decision and effort to help you stay focused and on track. Remind yourself to pause for 10 seconds before you say yes next time.
Keep a distraction list to stay focused:
What divert your attention? Is it your phone, internet browsing, social media, people interruption, fatigue, emotion or noises around you? Identify and write them down and the list will help you take a better control of the interruptions.
Go ahead and give the above tips a try. I am positive that you will enjoy the benefits of better time management. If you have any questions and need support, reach out!
