Time is a valuable asset. For entrepreneurs and those earning extra money as a side hustle from their day jobs, sometimes time isn’t enough to perform every task. With all the different roles you fulfill, it can be very challenging to squeeze everything within a day.
It takes a lot of commitment to reap the rewards of successfully being productive and finishing everything before the timeline. This is why time management matters — the practice of dividing your time effectively to do something at hand.
The Importance of Time Management
Time management can benefit you in many ways. Managing your time can help you continually deliver your product or service, ultimately helping you achieve your goals, which results in less stress. Furthermore, you can have a better work-life balance and increase your happiness.
To effectively manage your time, here are six tips you can follow:
1. Set SMART goals
Goal setting involves developing an action plan that will motivate or guide you towards your goal. Your goal should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART). It will help guide you to stay on track. Don’t be overwhelmed with your long-term goals; achieving your short-term goals equally matters.
2. Plan Your Activities
Planning your activities can maximize your time and eliminate stress along the way. Take time to divide all your tasks within a timeline. This ensures that you have enough time to do a task and deliver it with quality.
3. Pick A System
Pick a time management system that works for you. It can be through a software, online application, or philosophy you want to adapt. You can also try combining different philosophies until you discover what’s perfect for you. Stick to your plan for the day, and if for some reason you were unable to finish, have a catch-up plan to be able to accomplish everything.
4. Know Your Priorities
Fact: There’s no perfect system and there will be times when some tasks won’t be ready. When this happens, avoid panicking. Prioritize the task with the nearest deadline and do it first.
5. Find Your Productivity Zone
We all have unique productivity zones. In other words, some prefer working in the morning, while others are more productive when things are done mid-day. While that works for them, there are a few whose minds are more active for accomplishing tasks during the night. Whichever your zone is, focus and avoid distractions during that time.
6. Track Your Time
Time tracking allows you to manage your day effectively. It will help increase your productivity and avoid procrastination. Tracking your time also helps you determine how long it takes you to accomplish a certain task.
Conclusion
Having time management skills takes dedication and effort — and learning this skill requires daily practice. You may need go through trial and error before you can find the best way to manage your time.
Remember: We only have 24 hours a day. What we do with those hours can make a huge difference. So, whether you are a business owner or working two jobs a day, it doesn’t matter. In the end, what counts is that you’re able to increase your productivity, accomplish your tasks, and feel great overall.
