Time management is something that a lot of people struggle with – I know I do sometimes. Just recently, someone asked me for my time management tips. Although I initially struggled to come up with advice, I’ve reviewed how I spend my time, and carefully considered what my best tips are!
- Plan out your day
- Do your tasks whenever you can
- Make sure your tasks are worthwhile
- Figure out what is wasting your time
- Find your most productive time
Plan out your day
This is a must! If you don’t plan out your day, then time is just going to disappear. One minute you’re waking up and thinking about the homework that’s due tomorrow, and the next you’re getting ready to go to sleep. At the start of each day, make a to-do list and schedule those tasks. Personally, I like to time-block my days on Google Calendar (you can check out my article for the full guide on time-blocking!).
Do your tasks whenever you can
Now, this is pretty hard to explain, but hopefully you’ll understand. One really helpful thing you can do is just to do tasks whenever you can. For example, I edit photos when I’m in the car (disclaimer: I’m not the one driving!!!). I’ll also work on my quizlet sets during form time or when I’m waiting for something. By doing these small and quick tasks in my free moments, I have more time to relax later!
Make sure your tasks are worthwhile
There’s no point in doing something if it’s useless. Make sure that every single task on you to-do list is something that’ll drive you forward. As well as this, try see if you can save time on the tasks you’re doing now, either by automation or by using another method. If you’re a student, make sure that you’re using high-return, active recall study methods.
Figure out what is wasting your time
This is the most important thing you can do! You need to work out what your “timesucks” are. Then, limit those as much as possible. You can do this by doing a time audit – record how you spend your time (on Google Calendar, Excel, or in a notebook), then see what you’re wasting most of your time on. For me, I was wasting hours on Instagram, scrolling mindlessly. I learned to limit that by utilising time limits and putting my phote on the other side of the room.
Find your most productive time
This is something I started doing after reading Chris Bailey’s self-help book, The Productivity Project. While doing your time audit, write down your energy levels at each hour. Once you repeat this over a few days, you’ll be able to figure out your Biological Prime Time – the time at which you get the most work done. Try schedule your longest and most difficult tasks at this time, so that you know you’ll have the energy to tackle them!
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