Do You Know The FIVE Basic Steps of Time Management?
No matter what job you’re doing, or how long you have to do it, proper time management is key. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you properly manage your time and tackle your workload, both in the office and out.
Step 1: Keep a Schedule
When you have a full workload and a busy life, it’s easy to let a few small details slip your mind. However, forgetting a key deadline or meeting could have dire consequences. Because of this, keeping a proper schedule is vital. Write out all of your due dates, meetings, vacations, and holidays. Be sure to factor in time for unforeseen delays when planning out your work schedule. Finishing major projects a few days early is always a good idea.
Step 2: Start with a plan
Before you begin any major task, you should take a few minutes to sit down and think about what this task entails, how long it should take you, and what you hope to accomplish by the end. Think of it like cooking a meal. Before you start cooking anything in the kitchen, you need to find a recipe to follow. Work is the same way. Set a goal for yourself, and plot out the necessary steps and ingredients.
Step 3: Learn to Focus
It can often be hard to focus on one thing at once, especially in a society geared towards multi-tasking and short attention spans. But the focus is key, and multitasking doesn’t work. To help your focus, start with your surroundings. If you can, put a relaxing photo in your view. Perhaps a landscape or a nature picture. The key is to have something that will help you focus, not distract you. You can also listen to instrumental music or white noise such as crashing waves or singing birds. These noises will help you relax. Comfort is also key, so make sure you’re cozy before you begin your task.
Step 4: Set Mini-Goals and Deadlines
It’s easy to procrastinate when you have a long time to finish a task, so it’s important to set mini-goals along the way. For example, if you had to write 50,000 words in a month, you could set a goal of 12,000 words per week. That way, you stay on track and don’t get behind. For an added bonus, reward yourself after you reach each mini-goal. Perhaps a reward is a 15-minute break with your favorite soundtrack playing or a sweet treat after work.
Step 5: Take Breaks When Needed
It’s important to meet your deadlines and accomplish your goals, but if you push yourself too hard, you may lose your motivation. Remember to take frequent breaks, especially if you’re becoming overstressed. A quick, ten-minute walk does wonders. If possible, some yoga or deep breathing exercises could be beneficial too.