EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT. ARE YOU WASTING TIME?
Have you heard of the expression “time waits for no one”? Time is one of life’s precious gifts. We can’t control it so it will continue to roll by no matter what we do and that is why it seems 24 hours in not enough to achieve our plans. This brings a question to mind; how can i manage my time effectively to achieve my goals.
Time management is not just the ability to effectively accomplish your goals by planning and controlling how you spend the hours in your day. It is a way of transforming the way you think so that you can consistently and sustainably use the time you have to create what truly matters for you.
By becoming more cognizant of how you spend your time You will learn to delegate, say “no” when necessary, be more assertive and self-disciplined.
4 ways to help you manage time.
- Use a daily planner
Making use of a daily planner keeps you disciplined and focused. It helps you stay on your assignment. Where focus goes, energy flows. Assign time limits to your tasks and don’t forget to schedule your rest as well.
- Use your N.E.T time.
According to Tony Robbins N.E.T time stands for no extra time. The time you spend exercising, commuting, or cleaning can be used to educate your mind. You can listen to scriptures, podcast, or any quality information that will help you achieve your dreams. N.E.T. time allows you to maximize the time you currently have at your fingertips, so you get more done without missing a moment.
- Use the chunking method.
Chunking method is grouping similar tasks together and solving them in groups. Sometimes just thinking of the things you have to do can be so stressful and overwhelming.
Start off by making a to-do list. Then look for commonalities on your list that you can do together. E.g outdoor tasks, indoor tasks, spirituality, finance etc.
Picking your child, grocery shopping and picking clothes at the drycleaners can be chunked under outdoor.
Washing dishes and laundry can be chunked under indoor tasks.
Meal planning and going to the gym can be chunked together
From the above, 7 tasks have been chunked into 3 groups which makes it easier to manage.
There are a limited number of hours in the day, but when used effectively, there’s more than enough time to accomplish everything you set your mind to.
- Eliminate distraction.
Text messages, co-workers, answering calls, social media platforms, web browsing, unexpected visitors and the list goes on can be great distractions if not managed properly. You must proactively manage your time by turning off message notifications, putting your phone away from you or on silent mode. Schedule only important meetings and discourage drop ins.
Successful time management leads to greater joy, greater accomplishments at home, at work, and can free up more time for you to rest or do other things that bring you joy.