15 Powerful Time Management Tips

You must have come across certain people and wondered how they have enough time to do everything despite having loads of work lined up! Well, they surely aren't magicians who could pull out tricks to complete all their work, instead, they are time managers. They simply practice effective time management to strike the perfect work-life balance. If you can hone your time management skills then achieving any goal you set will be easier for you. In this blog let us find out 15 effective and powerful time management tips to improve your productivity.

What is time management?

The process of planning and organizing things for specific tasks or activities in order to maximize efficiency and productivity is called time management. It is also important to make a note of the fact that many unforeseen events and interruptions may happen, so you must be prepared for being flexible and adaptable to deal with them.

Why is time management skill so important?

Time management skills are necessary for using the limited time in the most effective manner to achieve the desired results. Let us learn about the 15 most powerful time management tips you can start applying right away-

1. Setting smarter goals -

Setting smarter goals means planning a framework that you can achieve and these goals must be-

1. Specific
2. Measurable
3. Achievable
4.  Realistic
5.  And within a time frame

So, always be specific and set smarter goals, this will help you complete the task within the stipulated time frame.

2. Minimize distractions -

Avoid anything that distracts you, like– 

1. Emails
2. Texts
3. Social media 
4. A buzzing phone 

All these external noises can make you lose your focus and become less productive and lets you get distracted very easily. So, try to concentrate more and avoid distractions.

3. Prioritize -

Think about the tasks that are needed to be done first and accordingly create a priority list rather than a to-do list. Arrange things that have to be done earliest and get them done, this will boost your self-confidence. You can also use the Eisenhower matrix to organize and prioritize tasks.  The tool divides tasks into four boxes based on what to do first, what to schedule for later, what you can delegate, and what you can delete.

4. Make a routine and follow -

Setting up a routine will help you be assured that you will have ample time for each of your tasks. Moreover, you will feel more organized and in control of situations.

5. Learn to say no -

You must always follow the pronounced principle of working smarter than harder. Managing your takes within a structured time frame can sometimes mean learning when to say no. Always try to be diligent about the tasks you will not be able to do and decline them.

6. Batch similar tasks together -

Try this amazing formula of gathering similar activities and tasks together, this will help you complete them in a single session or at the same time. This technique will optimize and reduce the time and energy required to switch between tasks.

7. Start your day earlier than usual -

Start practicing the art of beginning your day early so you can take full advantage of the day. If you start early, you have a fresh and calm state of mind with plenty of time to think and plan your required course of action.

8. Delegate tasks -

In developing time management skills, learning to delegate your tasks is very important. You can outsource a task whenever possible, this will allow you to take up the most challenging tasks. Eventually becoming the most efficient version of yourself possible. 

9. Set up deadlines -

Set your own deadlines for task completion that are realistic and stick to them. And remember to set those deadlines before the due date to deal with other tasks that may get in your way.

10. Find ways to de-stress yourself -

Stress is one of the main reasons that yields low productivity, so dealing with it smartly is necessary. We often feel stressed by the overflow of work which we are unable to manage. To find effective ways to de-stressing yourself, you can practice the following-

1. Short breaks
2. Exercising
3. Meditating
4. Practicing a hobby
5. Catching up with a friend
6. Listening to music

11. Practice keeping track of your time -

Tracking your time is crucial as it will help you to figure out how long it takes for you to complete any particular task. The practice of tracking the time allotted to each task will help you become more alert and, you will also be able to reallocate your time accordingly.

12. Start organizing your day the night before -

Organising your course of action for the next day the night before is smart and time-saving. It will help you set your goals and even sleep better with a contented state of mind. So, when you wake up, you know exactly where to start.

13. Avoid Multitasking -

Many studies have shown that multitasking simply doesn’t work. By practicing multitasking you will simply end up spending way more time doing your job even worse than ever. So, always try doing one task at a time.

14. Apply the 20-minute rule -

Have you ever heard of the 20-minutes rule? It's the most effective skill for time management. All you need to do is set an alarm for 20 minutes and, when the timer starts, you give a particular task your undivided attention and full attention. When the alarm goes off, you take a break and keep repeating this cycle until your job is completed.

15. Take regular breaks -

Taking short strategic breaks every while in between tasks is necessary to keep yourself motivated and going. Breaks actually recharge your brain and allow you to be more productive. Research has shown that people who work continuously without breaks lose focus and yield poor-quality work. 

Get ready to manage your time effectively now

The above-mentioned time management skills will definitely lead to a more satisfying and happier life. You will also be able to focus and achieve your goals within a small time frame.