Do your days feel like you're racing against time? If so, you may be overwhelmed and wondering, how could you possibly get it all done? Or, maybe you're stuck in a routine and tired of the way you go about your day. Whatever the reason, learn to be more efficient with time, manage piles of work or schoolwork, and enjoy the time you have.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Evaluating Time
Step 1. Decide how to use your time
There are many ways to do it. Keep a diary or journal for a few days, or create a graph that illustrates how you will use your time. Record all activities that take time: sleeping, working, eating, homework, school, etc.
Be honest with yourself. This graph will show you the best way to manage your time, especially if you're feeling frustrated that you've wasted too much time in one area of your life
Step 2. Write down your goals
Now that you know what you're spending time on, now ask yourself, how do you really want to spend your time? In particular, what would you like to change from your current routine? If you notice any time is wasted, start by setting goals to fill it.
For example, if you spend a few hours answering unimportant emails, taking a longer break, or waiting for something, make it a goal to fill that free time
Step 3. Prioritize your goals
No need to be too detailed. Just sort the goals according to how you're going to complete them. Try to spend at least 30 percent of your weekly time working towards a goal.
Re-evaluate your goals regularly. After completing some tasks, your priorities may change. Feel free to change your goals or plans
Step 4. Plan your time
Make a timeframe that you can manage and write a list of goals to achieve. Also make a separate list of things you want to get done. Then, look at your weekly activities and set the tasks that must be done each day to achieve these goals.
Also make time for family, relaxation, or personal time. While you don't have to go into detail about what you're going to do, you should make sure to make time for these activities
Step 5. Realize that time is precious
Don't let your schedule fill up with activities that don't get you anywhere near your goal or that don't make you happy. If something seems like a complete waste of time, try shortening it or even skipping it altogether.
Likewise, don't feel that you have to do everything yourself, because the results won't be perfect. You have to learn how to trust others and delegate responsibility to get your job done
Method 2 of 2: Managing Time Effectively
Step 1. Start with the most important goals
It may be easy for you to determine this if something big is approaching a deadline or a big event is just around the corner. Gather energy to complete the most vital tasks before moving on to the less important ones.
Work on the biggest projects when you have the highest energy levels. For some, it might be morning. For others it may be night. Find the time that works best for you and don't waste precious energy
Step 2. Say no
Don't feel guilty about rejecting something you didn't want to do. Apart from work, you don't have to feel like you have to always say yes to everything. While simple requests are unlikely to be a big deal, they can pile up, leaving you overwhelmed and hobbling to reach your ultimate goal. Learn to say no without feeling guilty.
You don't need to explain or give reasons for refusing. Just say you can't, because you don't want to
Step 3. Do multiple tasks smartly
While doing multiple tasks at once sounds like an effective way to manage time, it's actually hard to do it well. Do double duty for the kind of work that doesn't require concentration of mind (washing clothes, washing dishes, cooking, etc.). Don't try to write memos while reading articles and chatting on the phone. In other words, let your mind focus on one task at a time, especially when you're at your best.
For example, don't put off doing your homework so you don't do it until 2am, when you should be sleeping. If you think the optimal time to work is 4 to 5 pm, plan to work at that time
Step 4. You must always be available
Don't be unprepared for a meeting, appointment, or deadline. If you are prepared and have everything scheduled into a daily schedule, the plan will materialize more maturely than a plan executed on the spur of the moment.
When you are planning an event, estimate how long it will take. If it turns out that it takes longer, cancel the event immediately or make an appointment for another time
Step 5. Delegate your tasks or ask someone else for help
Maybe you have too many goals or tasks to work on. Try delegating responsibilities to coworkers or family. That way, your precious time will be free and can be used to work on other projects or relax.
With help, it means that there are other people who can also monitor the completion of your tasks. That way, you can stay focused on the work at hand, while they complete the tasks you give them. Thank them and tell them that you wouldn't have made it without their help
Step 6. Get rid of distractions
This is very difficult to do. If you're having trouble getting things done, try turning off your phone, logging out of all social media websites, turning off the television, and going somewhere quiet. You'll find that focusing on just one task will make your performance more efficient.
Clear visual space for work. It might be a desk, an office, or a room at home. A tidy room will make you more able to focus
Step 7. Reward yourself
If you've already accomplished some of your goals or can focus more on the task, give yourself a small reward. This reward could be something as simple as taking a break for the day, going out with friends, or getting a longer nap in the morning.
