No matter your current job title or which position you are applying for, time management skills are among those soft skills that are highly in demand. Fortunately, you can practice a few simple habits to take your time management to the next level. Here’s what to do.
Learn Your Own Patterns
Some people do their best work early in the morning. Others hit their stride in the afternoon. And still, others are at their peak overnight (in which case, you might want to consider working the third shift). Once you figure out when you’re at your best, shift your high-priority, high-concentration tasks to these hours. Work on easier projects when you’re naturally less productive.
Set Boundaries
It’s easy to say yes to extra tasks, but it’s not always easy to accomplish them on time. Be realistic about how long each thing will take, and avoid over-scheduling yourself. Remember, it’s always better to underpromise and overdeliver than the other way around.
Prioritize and Schedule
Prioritize your projects according to importance. Then break down each project into achievable chunks with reasonable deadlines. Put each chunk separately on your calendar, and block out enough time to make it happen.
Get Organized
You can’t perform at your best if you can’t easily put your hands on what you need. Clean up your workstation. If you use a computer at work, take some time to organize your files and control your email. Also, take a look at your ergonomics. You can’t do your best work if you’re constantly shifting around to try to get comfortable.
Take Breaks
The human mind and body can only focus for so long. Trying to push past your limits will only make you tired, cranky, prone to mistakes, and at risk for injuries. Take a quick stretch break every 30 minutes and a longer break at least every four hours. When you leave work for the day, leave it completely behind.
Quit Multi-Tasking
On the surface, multitasking seems like a great way to get more done. But the reality is that splitting your focus means not really giving anything the attention it deserves. You’re more likely to mess up, and your productivity will suffer.
Time management doesn’t come easily for many people. But if you start practicing good habits today, you will see marked improvement over the next weeks and months.
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