5 Essential Tips For Effective Time Management

Time is precious. Every one of us at some point in life realises that it would be fantastic if we could have a few extra hours once in a while to squeeze a few more tasks in the day.  However we all have the same amount of hours available to us. 24 – no more, no less. It’s very unlikely that anything is going to change about that any time soon. Looks like it is us and our approach that has to change. Otherwise nothing else will. If you feel that you could benefit from an effective strategy around time and more organised approach to your tasks in the day, these 5 tips could be your best starting point:

1. What is your reason?
   In order to stay motivated on your way to more organised life it’s good to have a strong reason behind it e.g. more time with family, time for favourite activities or sense of control etc. Whatever your reason find it. It will keep you moving forward. How will you finish this sentence – “I will manage my time more effectively in order to…” ?
2. Manage yourself
   Before you focus on time, schedules and plans – an organised life requires discipline and a systematic approach. Take responsibility for making it happen, not for others, but for yourself. When you are successful and able to develop new habits around time management, you’ll only have yourself to thank. What qualities do you want to find and nurture in yourself that will enable you to stay on track with your new time management strategy?
3. Plan in advance
   If you’re usually a “last minute” person, you might want to reconsider your approach. Have you ever paid more for something, maybe a flight,  only because you bought it at the very last minute? Have you ever arrived late for a meeting just because the date and time somehow were not written down in your diary? Yes, to plan in advance you want to have a diary, open it every day and write things down to complete – every day. Know the 3 most important tasks you are going to complete in the day and get familiar with them the day before.
4. “Eat that frog”
   Have you read Brian Tracy’s book? It’s an international best seller for a reason. Do you know why? The advice and tips in that book really WORK. They have been tested and proven effective by thousands of people. Start every day by completing the biggest task you have on your list. Choose the one  you are the least motivated to complete. Not only will you have a large amount of work done early in the morning but also completing this one thing that you are most likely to put off, will give you motivation for the rest of the day. Once that’s done, all other tasks left on your list will be much easier to finish.
5. Celebrate!
   When everything in your day goes to plan and you made it happen, you want to reward yourself. Having this reward coming towards the end of the day, you will be much more excited to keep working through your “To Do” list. Find the right reward that works for you. It doesn’t have to be big; it doesn’t have to be small. Something that triggers your motivation and is encouraging enough to keep you focused. Have you got an idea yet? Some people treat themselves to a nice relaxing bath, some celebrate by drinking a cup of their favourite coffee, some buy themselves a small gift that they truly deserve. Whatever it is for you, purposefully place value on it and work consistently throughout the day to have reasons to celebrate.

These are our 5 Essential Tips For Effective Time Management. What are your strategies? How do you stay on track?

We know how important time management is for you. That is why we created a workshop that has been designed specifically to equip you with tools and strategies that will enable more fulfilment and satisfaction within your 24h.