5 Time Management Tips

No matter how talented, energetic, creative, or optimistic an enterprise is, poor time management skills will continually create difficulty. This topic is typically something many spend so much time trying to master. It seems that time slips right through our fingers. Deadlines pop up out of nowhere, days pass in an instant, and that to-do list still isn’t checked off. 

While the process of becoming a profitable time manager can be tedious and somewhat painstaking, it creates an intangible worth to your day. It is half mindset and half action. The mental approach should be to prioritize, set goals, and concentrate. 

Time touches every part of a day and holds value and meaning. Tardiness displays inefficiency and unprofessionalism, while submitting an item early shows organization and care for the client and project. Mastering how you utilize your time changes the game, personally and professionally. Not only does proper management and productivity boost confidence, but it creates a schedule that glides through tasks. It might surprise you how much can actually be accomplished if time is successfully executed. 

Different individuals have different styles, so we understand this is not a guaranteed formula for success. Implementing one or two of them just might improve your schedule, though. Let’s dive into our top 5 time management tips to help you dominate your day.

1. Stay disciplined. 

Your clients depend on you. Having time management as a strength adds value to your business. Not only does poor time regulation frustrate you personally, it breaks the trust of those around you. Dependability and consistency are key components in a quality manager. Late submissions don’t really fall into those categories. Identify your common time wasters and get rid of them. If scrolling through social media eats into your day, place your phone across the room. Are there random distractions around your workspace? Clear those out and finish your task. Place certain contacts in your phone on the “Do Not Disturb” function if those notifications interrupt your workflow. These simple tips aid in self-discipline. Remember why you started! 

2. Do a task (or two), then take a break. 

This helps with creativity! Learn when to push yourself and when to reward yourself. If your personality is task oriented, this could be a tip to help you in checking off your to-do list. Sometimes, powering through is necessary, but it isn’t sustainable. Rushing through responsibilities is almost a guarantee you could miss something. Take time to care. The term ‘haste makes waste’ is a golden piece of wisdom that shouldn’t be ignored.

3. Batching - Work on one client at a time. 

It keeps you from getting distracted. There is no bigger headache than juggling, multitasking, splitting your screen, and swinging between clients. Do yourself and your brain a favor and take your tasks one at a time. This isn’t simply a good rule of thumb but can be critical in your credibility. Being preoccupied with different tasks takes away from your present work. Make a list, group them, and start from there. This is mental and physical organization. Both you and your clients will thank you!

4. Use a physical calendar or to-do list. 

We keep track of so much digitally or on a screen. Putting pen to paper adds depth to your list. You commit to your tasks when you take charge of writing them down. Writing instead of typing creates authenticity, and using a notebook versus an iPad offers reliability. This can seem small or insignificant in the big picture, but it has been a source of productivity for many. Having your deadlines in sight gives you a tangible timeline. It’s harder to miss a due date when it’s staring you in the face. 

5. Work away from your desk.

If you’re struggling with procrastination, take your work to another location and commit to staying there until it’s done. There is something to be said for the ability to work in any place, but those who can do this are few and far between. Changing positions can offer a fresh mindset and perspective. Your environment plays a huge role in your performance. If your common work area stifles creativity, take the opportunity to make it your own. Create a space that fosters a healthy efficiency, where you are comfortable and can work through tasks seamlessly. 

In short, organization is key. Find a groove to stay systematic, and don’t step a toe outside of it. Discipline yourself. While it can seem difficult in the beginning, it becomes natural over time. High performers are masters of time management. When pressures are high and time is short, you want to be the person who can accomplish the task regardless of the situation. This skill is gained when you can effectively manage your time. Be in control of your mind and your day, not the other way around. 

We all get the same 24 hours. How will you spend yours?