Time Management Strategies

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Time is the only variable dimension of the universe. Time changes, and it is up to us whether we decide to change along with it and move ahead or remain stagnant. If you find yourself stuck with less or no time in hand, then you need to plan your activities and include some time management strategies in your daily schedule. Read the importance of your time.

"For everything there is a season, And a time for every matter under heaven..." - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Time. What is the first image that pops up in your head at the mention of this simple 4 letter word? A time clock? An appointment? Bus or plane schedule? How to while your free time? Or how to save time and complete work that has been piling up on your desk?

Well, these are some normal answers that are expected. In today's world, we have become slaves of the wheel of time! On certain days, it would almost feel like the wheel is turning so rapidly that it becomes extremely hard for us to cope up.

Time is change. And change comes from within us. If we do not follow this simple rule, we are bound to be under pressure from deadlines, workload, and crisis. Why is it that no matter what amount of efforts and handwork you put in, you are always running out of time. And this is the case not only with your professional, but with your personal life as well.

This mismanagement of time makes you miss out on that much awaited promotion, the very important business deal, your love life, your child's birthday party, or a football game, eventually building up stress and taking a toll on your health.

The root of all the problems in your life due to lack of time is a disorganized lifestyle. You need to plan out the priorities in your life and work accordingly. Read ahead, will help you sail through a difficult time tide.

Effective Techniques

Everything in life has a specific time. Things done too soon or too late, may result in a disaster. To overcome these disappointments in life, the following tips will help you make your life more simple and stress-free.

Time is Precious : Do not while away your time. Every second is important. Do not spend more time checking e-mails, chatting with your colleagues, or speaking with friends on the phone when you reach office.

Instead focus on the pending work and try to complete it as soon as possible. Once it is off your shoulders, you'll have plenty of time to spare for co-curricular activities.

Keep A Schedule: Write down all your important work appointments or things-to-do in a diary. Strike off each task as you complete it along the day. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you manage your time accordingly.

Prioritize Your Work: This is one of the most important techniques that will help you manage your time very effectively. Keep the lesser important tasks for the end of the day and complete tasks with higher priority early during the day. Your energy levels are high and your mind is fresh to complete the important tasks on time.

Learn To Say 'NO': Do not get tempted with tasks other than those that are already on your hand. If the new development is not very urgent and important, politely say no, and complete your work first. This will help save precious time and you can get back to the new task after you finish yours.

Delegation of Work: If you have the authority, you can always delegate work to your subordinates. Simple tasks that can be completed by the juniors can be passed on. It will take off a load from your schedule and develop a sense of responsibility in the juniors as well.

Focus On The Quality: Complete your work with concentration and dedication in the first go itself. This will save time that otherwise must have been spent on making corrections and re-dos.

10 Minute Rule: If you have a large, mundane, and difficult task at hand, spend 10 minutes every day to complete it. Once you get the hang of it, you'll finish it on time.

Distractions Not Allowed: When working on a major project or task, switch off your cell phone and e-mail. Do not take calls other than those related to work. Focus on the project and complete it. Do not indulge in any distractions that waste your time or which push your mind off work.

Healthy Lifestyle: Eat healthy foods and consume healthy drinks to keep your body in optimum health. A healthy mind helps improve efficiency and you can efficiently complete work on time.

Self-Evaluation: Ask yourself questions such as, are you procrastinating, are you completing your tasks at the last-minute, are you asking for extensions? Do deadlines increase your stress levels? As you answer these questions you will realize the need for effective time management techniques that will pull you out of the jam that your life is in.

Some More Tips Set a goal Plan your strategies Prioritize the tasks to be done Make firm decisions Delegate tasks Schedule a time frame for completing each task

If all else fails, you could download free online time management apps to help you understand and manage your time. Complete short-term urgent tasks before taking up long-term less important tasks.

Take a break from work and refresh your mind. A walk or a coffee break is sure to pep you up. You can even take a day off and spend some quality time with friends and family, that will surely boost your energy levels.

If you pull this off, it is sure to improve your work and family life. And, always remember,"Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it, you can never get it back."