How to Improve Time Management: 7 Top Tips

Life doesn’t get any less challenging, does it? For many, finding the balance between work, family, and everything else gets tricker, with so much to do and seemingly so little time to do it.

Finding that balance and making the most of your time is more of a skill than you may realise, however with the right approach to time management it is possible to find a way to do what you need – and, importantly, want – to do, whilst remaining relaxed, focused and able to thrive.

To help you on your way, here are a few easy-to-follow tips for managing your time better and more effectively.

1. Prioritise Your Time

With lots to do, and so little time to do it, it is vital you prioritise your time in accordance with what you need to get done and when by.

A great way to do this is to utilise the ‘ABC Method’, to prioritise your tasks and time in order of importance and what matters to you most on a particular day.

The ‘A’ tasks are your most important, the ones that are ‘must-do’ and should be focused on first; ‘B’ tasks are secondary tasks, slightly less important and should only be turned to once ‘A’ tasks are taken care of; and ‘C’ tasks are those that are ‘nice to do’ but can wait to be completed if time is better used elsewhere.

Seems simple, doesn’t it? Sometimes a simple approach is best!

2. Be on Time!

Again, this may seem simple and obvious, but you can’t expect to make the most of your time if you don’t afford yourself all the time you have available to you.

Being on time, or early, if possible, to whatever you need to do, or wherever you need to be, puts you on the front foot from the off. This will not only give you more time to complete your tasks, but also help you feel more relaxed. What’s more, it’ll show those around you that you care and are reliable too.

3. Make Plans and Follow Them

Planning each and every day, where possible, and following the plans you make is one of the easiest – yet most powerful – time management tips you can follow.

Having structure to your day, and the tasks and goals you’ve assigned yourself, allows you to not only control your schedule, but keep yourself on track too. Perhaps you’ll find that you’re better at doing certain things in the morning; so, it makes sense to try and fit them in before lunch. And then your afternoon is free to do other things on your list. Whatever works for you – it may take some trial and error.

Once you’ve found your way to make plans that suit, always try your best to follow them. It’ll soon become natural, helping you to manage your time overall in the process.

4.Utilise Time Management Tools

Long gone are the days of having to plan our time in a diary or notebook – though there is still plenty to be said about the benefits of writing things down!

With us all living in a digitally-dominated age, time management and planning has been made easy thanks to the variety of time management and productivity tools – from outlook calendars to handy mobile apps.

We recommend utilising task and time management tools to keep track of what needs doing and when, and to centralise the elements you need to complete your tasks effectively and efficiently. If and when possible, look to take advantage of automation tools too – if you can allow software to take care of certain tasks, you’ll have a few less things to worry about and more time to focus on yourself and what’s most important.

5. Say ‘No’ Sometimes!

Naturally we don’t like to disappoint people or feel like we’re letting them down. As a result, we often feel like we should – or even must – say yes to anything and everything we’re asked to do. But in the interest of managing your time most effectively, we’re sorry but that simply isn’t an option!

Sometimes you simply have to say ‘no’. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing so. It can be tricky at first, but mastering the art of politely saying no or turning something down allows you to take control of what you do and control how you use your time, focusing on what you know you need or want to do, not what others want you to.

6. Avoid Multitasking

Multitasking. It has long been discussed as a vital skill that everyone should look to master; the thought behind it being that if you can manage multiple tasks at once, you’ll complete multiple tasks all at once.

Sadly, it’s not that simple. Managing time effectively and multitasking don’t actually go hand-in-hand too well. By definition, multitasking means that you’re giving your attention to a number of things, and not just focusing on one task at a time and giving it the attention it deserves. This can of course lead to mistakes; mistakes that may require more time to correct.

Giving one task your full attention at a time is often a much better approach; not only in the interest of time management, but to also complete tasks on time, and to the best of your ability.

7. Be Kind to Yourself and Take a Break

Think working flat out is the best way to get things done and make the most of your time? Think again.

We all like to think that we are capable of anything, but burnout is a real thing and can have a big impact on you, how you manage your time and, most importantly, your mental and physical health.

An exhausted person isn’t a productive person, and it important to give yourself a break. This could be as simple as getting away from your working environment for a little while and taking a short walk for some fresh air; or, even better, treating yourself to some time away if possible. It is a much better use of your time than burning yourself out.

If you want to learn more tips and tricks on how to love what you do and excel in your career, check out our career advice blogs. You'll find helpful insights on topics such as job search, resume writing, interview skills, career development, and more. Whether you're looking for a new job, a career change, or a promotion, our blogs can help you achieve your goals and enjoy your work.

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