We often feel overwhelmed and unable to keep up with everything we need to do. It’s therefore essential to manage your time well, knowing what’s important to you, when you’re most productive, and how to organise your day to maximise your productivity. Remember that wasted time is worse than wasted money, so be the master of your time!
But how can you improve your time management? There are various aspects you can consider. Having routines that suit you, using the time-boxing technique, and having a healthy relationship with your phone can help boost your productivity and make the most of your day.
Morning Routines
Daily routines start in the morning. Create a morning routine that suits you and prepares you for the day ahead. One suggestion is the 20/20/20 technique: 20 minutes of exercise, 20 minutes of reflection, and 20 minutes of learning. Exercise could mean going for a 20-minute walk in the countryside to get your body moving. Next, spend 20 minutes reflecting; for example, you could try journaling to help you arrive in the here and now. Finally, dedicate 20 minutes to learning something new, such as listening to an audiobook. Following this rule will help you start the day consciously and engage all your senses.
Time Boxing
Time boxing is a powerful time management method that involves allocating fixed time blocks to specific tasks throughout your day. Rather than working from a long to-do list, you allocate a dedicated time slot in your calendar for each activity. For instance, you could dedicate the 8:00–8:30 slot to responding to emails, or the 14:00–16:00 slot to meetings. You should also include breaks, or time for activities such as running or going to the gym. This approach helps you to stay focused, reduce decision fatigue, and avoid multitasking.
Relationship with your Phone
Taking a healthy approach to social media can save you a lot of time. Social media was designed to keep us online for as long as possible. You may have noticed this when you find yourself repeatedly refreshing your feed or checking your likes. Strategies such as setting aside a ‘power hour’ to actively engage with your community, banning your mobile phone from quiet zones such as your office or bedroom, and allocating fixed times for social media and mobile phone use, such as going offline in the evening from 7 pm, can help you build a healthier relationship with your phone.
Ultimately, mastering time management isn’t about perfection; it’s about making small changes that can have a significant impact on your productivity and well-being. Remember that time is your most valuable resource. Use it wisely by planning your days in a way that supports the life and business you want to build.