The most successfull pros are the ones that have mastered time management.
In order to achieve greatness, you need to have the focus and drive to get there. Unfortunately, even if you are a highly motivated individual, if you lack time management skills it will take you way too long to reach your end goal.
Here are some tips that can help you improve your time management skills.
- First things first. Before you start your day you should already have a list created of the most pressing items you want to complete. Make sure you prioritize what needs to be completed ASAP. Don’t worry too much about organizing your files if there is a pressing deadline. While this tip seems like “Yeah, duh, I knew that” information, it is where most people lose time. They get side tracked and then …. Whoops… I just spent 2 hours organizing files – maybe that wasn’t the best use of my time.
- Beware of time vampires. You know the kind. That person in your office that comes by for a chat, and is still talking at your door an hour later. Go away Vamp, you’re messing up our goals! If you have a private office the solution is simple – close the door. For those of us lacking walls you will have to strengthen your effective communication skills so that people give you the space you need!
- Stay focused! Get rid of as many distractions as you can. We realize working 8-10 hours with no breaks is unrealistic, and frankly unhealthy, but you can easily avoid taking lengthy breaks by setting a schedule at the start of the day, and restricting smartphone usage until then.
- Beware of social media! When you check and comment on personal social media boards during work hours you are losing so much time! We can’t say this enough, avoid, avoid, avoid! Facebook/Insta/Snapchat/Etc. It can wait!
- Nourish your body! This last tip may be the most important. Do not allow yourself to get “Hangry”. When you are hungry it is hard to think, focus, and function at our optimal potential. Make healthy and smart choices! If you feel your best, you will do your best!
Please remember that time management is a “work in progress” skill that will likely always need to be worked on.
We hope these tips get you a little closer to crushing your work goals!
