Aug 26, 2015

If you’re serious about effectively managing your time, just follow these simple guidelines and you will reap the benefits:

Identify and break your bad/old habits

Procrastination over certain tasks is a common habit that requires a disciplined approach. Take advantage of your peak energy time (for most people it is in the morning) and tackle the task when your focus and drive is at its highest. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it will be completed.

Conduct a time audit of your work

This is best completed over a week and must account for every minute to give you a complete and accurate picture of your work. It should reveal some areas for improvement that may currently be taking valuable time away from your key priorities. Use this information to create some specific objectives that will free up your time and reduce workload pressures.

Create and stick to a schedule

Plan for the unexpected by including a buffer zone into your day and focus on completing between 5 and 6 key results rather than a “shopping” list of activities. Return calls and attend to emails in blocks of time to ensure you focus on one group of activities at a time.

By following these suggestions you’ll reduce stress and end your working day with a sense of accomplishment.

For more information, take a look at our Effective Time Management Course.