Time management is never easy–whether it’s at work or at home.
The 24 hours we get per day never seems to be enough. There’s that apartment to clean, those documents to file, and that personal project to finish.
But don’t worry, it’s all about strategy. Here are some tips to manage your time enough to get most of the tasks done.
1. Organize, organize, organize!
Before you start your day, reflect and make a to-do list. Yes, this is boring. Yes, there will be some stuff added as your day progresses. However, you should still take some time to do it. Making the list will give you the direction you need in terms of organizing your tasks. Once you’ve done that, you can start using the techniques below.
2. Covey’s Time Management Quadrants
In his book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey discusses four quadrants in terms of tasks. There’s Q1: Urgent and Important, Q2: Important but not Urgent, Q3: Urgent but not Important, and Q4: Not Urgent and not Important. Remember the tasks you’ve list down at the beginning of the day? Start categorizing them into these four quadrants. Once done, it’ll give you a better perspective on which tasks should be done first.
3. Pomodoro Technique
This method has been discussed in ModernFilipina articles time and again. And you know why? Because it works! The concept behind the Pomodoro Technique is easy: breaking down the time allocated for your tasks. Once done, you have to put in break times in between time intervals. This technique raises productivity because you get to focus on your tasks during your designated ‘task time’; while your brain and body gets to rest and recharge during your designated “break times.”
4. Identify what motivates and distracts you.
Reflect and find out what helps you get through your tasks. It could be the boost of energy your early-morning coffee gives you. It could be that your crush talked to you before you started with the task. Maybe your boss praised your performance today. Whatever it is, it is important you find out so you know how you can motivate yourself in finishing your tasks as scheduled. Aside from that, find out what distracts you from keeping your schedule. Once you know these factors, you can find ways to make sure you keep to your time tables and do the tasks within the time you’ve allotted to it.
5. Find tools that work for you.
Why not use tools such as phone and tablet apps to help you manage your time better? There are a lot of Time-management apps that you can choose from, and we’re sure you’ll find one that will suit your lifestyle. Find one that you suits you and start working productively!
