We are all provided with the same 24 hours each day. However, it seems that many are able to achieve more during the same time frame. How do they get so much done? What tricks do they know that allow them to get more finished?
The secret is out, and it’s better time management! Being proactive about managing your time allows you to become more efficient at getting things done. There are several key benefits for having great time management skills, such as being less stressed, having extra free time, and achieving your goals. Keep reading to learn more about our top four time management tips!
Organize Everything
The first step to effectively managing your time is being organized. You must understand what needs to be completed to ensure that it all gets done. If you have school assignments, a project that is due at work, or anything else, make a list of all that you need to get done. Creating a to-do list is a simple way to get a full idea of all the tasks you need to complete. You can also organize them into categories by adding labels.
Gathering and organizing everything you will need to get your to-do list done is also essential. Create your own system by making folders and saving everything in them. For example, if you are completing a project for school, save everything you need in one folder on your computer so that when it comes time to do the work, everything you need is there, and you can get the project done faster.
Prioritize Tasks
You now have your to-do list organized, so it is time to place them in order of priority. When you decide the priority of things, you are taking an extra step to determine which tasks will get completed first. A great way to prioritize is to do the items that are most important and urgent first. For instance, if you are working on a class project that contributes to half of your final grade and is due this week, this should automatically be at the top of your list because it is both urgent and important.
If you have a task that is not as urgent but still important, you can determine when to complete it, such as a work assignment with a due date next month. Some tasks need to be completed in a specific order so that you can do the first steps and then complete the other steps later. This is more common with assignments that require being broken down into smaller tasks as you go. Ensure that you prioritize things that are required to be completed first in order to stay on the right track.
Plan Ahead
You’ve successfully organized all you need to do and prioritized your tasks, so now it’s time to create a plan and decide when you will get each thing completed. Making these plans sets you on the path to success because when you start working each day, you will know exactly what you need to get done. One awesome way to achieve this is by using a calendar to schedule your tasks. First, take your to-do list that was created earlier and set aside time on your calendar by picking dates and times to get the items done. Ensure that you add the most important and urgent things first.
While planning, make sure you have everything needed to complete the item during the time you set aside on your calendar. For instance, if you are doing a graphic design assignment, you must gather the different things you will need ahead of time, such as the correct images and logos, to prepare to complete the assignment. Ensure that you plan and add breaks during your day between tasks, especially for those that take longer to finish. Enjoying breaks will help you stay focused and refreshed.
Create Deadlines
Once you have your week planned out ahead of time, be sure to have a deadline set for each item to be completed. If you are doing a larger project, break the assignment down into smaller pieces and make deadlines for each of the smaller steps. Allow yourself enough time to get everything completed and leave some extra time if any changes or things take longer than anticipated.
Setting time limits to have work done can also be of great help. If you provide yourself with six hours to get something done, it will most likely take all six hours. However, if you give yourself four hours, you can probably get it done in that time. For those of us who are perfectionists, creating time limits can help prevent you from becoming stuck in a cycle of making corrections to try to make it more perfect constantly.
Join us in 2021
Learning valuable time management skills can contribute to your success now and in the future. At Boardman Training Center, we’re here to help you get started on your path to a new career. We work with you to help you manage your time and balance work, family, and school.
Explore our healthcare training programs and request information now to start your journey to an exciting new healthcare career!