For the longest time

For the longest time, years really, I didn’t have the necessary ability to manage my time properly. I was very undisciplined and lacked focus. I can tell you from experience that not having a time management strategy can be very costly. I talk about some of things/techniques I applied in my own life to get past the personal roadblocks that I had in my way (check out my blog!). But the culmination of these blocks was an inability to stay focused, be present to really “see” what was in front of me, and thereby unable to really formulate a solid plan to achieve the task at hand in a timely manner.

…a tactic that is ingrained

Now before this change in my own life, I had periods of being able to practice good time management if it was something I wanted to do, but that is the point here. Time management should be a tactic that is ingrained especially when involved with tasks, or duties that aren’t the most inspiring or exciting. I mean, who doesn’t want to get things done faster and more efficiently since they may otherwise not want to be spending a lot of time doing them in the first place?!

A lot more focused and disciplined

I know nowadays, being a lot more focused and disciplined has helped me to achieve just that. Like say with my schoolwork for instance. Being productive and efficient, and achieving tasks and short-term goals in a timely and stress-free manner is something that I’ve come to truly appreciate knowing how to do. Saves a lot of time! I don’t dislike school and what I’m gaining, plus the obvious eventual pay-off when I get to work in the field, but sometimes it can be a little difficult getting excited about assignments, etc. This is where these time management techniques can benefit us the most.

1. Set a Timer

“Estimate the time you need to tackle different tasks and set a timer for each of your tasks. When it comes to the time limit, move on to another task first.

2. Eliminate All Distractions

Distractions include the phone, email notifications and having multiple web browsers open on the desktop. Learn how to get rid of all distractions in this guide: How to Focus and Maximize Your Productivity (the Definitive Guide)

3. Listen to Music That Boosts Productivity

Distractions should be avoided, but sometimes a bit of music in the background can help you focus. Of course, it doesn’t need to be heavy rock music, but a bit of Beethoven may do you some good. Here’s a complete guide to help you pick the right music for better productivity: How To Maximize Your Productivity With Music: A Complete Guide

4. Find Meaning in What You Do (And Love What You Do)

Enjoying what you do is the ultimate way to increase your productivity. If you aren’t sure what you love doing yet, don’t worry. Leo Babauta has some unique ways to help you: How to Find Your Passion

5. Prioritize your tasks ahead of time

By listing your tasks in order of importance, you can make sure that you finish all of your most important tasks during the day. Learn a unique technique to Prioritize Right in 10 Minutes and Work 10X Faster.

6. Batch Similar Tasks into a Single Batch

Tasks like blog writing, phone calls, email and errands can be grouped into a single batch. You will save time by completing similar tasks in one session.

7. Complete Your Most Dreaded Tasks First Thing in the Morning

Whichever activity you are dreading the most is probably the one you need to complete first thing in the morning. Many people tend to check emails in the morning because after checking a list of emails, they feel fulfilled. But that’s just an illusion of having achieved more.

Doing simple tasks like checking emails first in the morning is bad for you. Instead, do the difficult tasks because you have more energy in the morning to tackle them!

8. Reward Yourself for Finishing a Big Task

To stay motivated for whatever you do, reward yourself every now and then. Keep track of your small wins and milestones and celebrate them. So whenever you struggle about your progress, you see how far you’ve come!

Find out more about this 2-Step Approach to Self-Motivation: Track Small Wins and Reward Yourself.

9. Don’t Multitask

Research has shown that multitasking is not productive. If you think you can multitask, think again. For optimum productivity, focus on one thing at a time.

10. Step Away from the Computer

The Internet has become one of the number one distraction. To increase your productivity, try to do as much of your work offline as possible. I do this a lot when I try to brainstorm new ideas and have found it to be very beneficial to simply unplug” (Ho).

It is a huge aid!

Having a habit of using good time management techniques can go a long way in aiding us in many areas. It can aid in helping build a pattern of staying focused on the task at hand. It is a huge aid keeping us from feeling overwhelmed, thereby reducing stress. One thing about stress is that can be like worry in the sense that it can diminish focus. Focus is important to maintain efficiency, and these techniques mentioned are all interwoven, and can work together to achieve the two most important things needed… Efficiency and productivity. The end result being we spend less time to accomplish more!

Sources:

Ho, Leon. 50 Ways to Increase Productivity and Achieve More in Less Time. Lifehack.org. 19 November, 2019. https://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/50-ways-to-increase-your-productivity.html. Accessed 24 August, 2020.

Author’s bio:

Eric Thompson, self-help & wellness blogger @ www.ethos1974.com

I am currently a student at Long Beach City College working towards a degree in Addiction Studies. Attached is a link to my “about me” section.