Time Management Tips

We all have times where we keep procrastinating and can't get things done. We feel like we have to get better at managing our time. Here are some tips and tricks that I use to get better at Time Management.

#1 Track your time on a typical day

To get better at managing your time, you need to know where exactly you're going wrong. Ask yourself, 'where does my time go?' To answer that, I recommend tracking your time on a typical workday.

I use the app Clockify to track my time. How it works is when you start a new task, you play a new timer on the app, and after the thing is done, you can stop the timer and tell the app what you were doing.

In the end, you'll have some reports prepared for you that you can refer to know where exactly your time goes.

Tip - Make sure you're honest with yourself while tracking your time. I know it doesn't feel fantastic to see 3 hours of procrastination in your time log, but you need to accept the truth.

#2 Set your goals and priorities

Knowing what your goals are, helping you understand what is more important to you. Set your goals on a weekly or monthly basis, and make sure they are visible to you at all times.

#3 Put a time limit to tasks

When you have your goals ready, know what tasks will help you achieve them. This way, you'll know which tasks matter and which don't. Put a limit on things that won't help you accomplish any of the goals you want.

#4 Find the Perfect Planning Method.

For managing your time better, planning is essential. There are many planning methods like to-do lists, time blocking, weekly planning. There are also many ways to plan like, bullet journalling, digital planning, using a paper planner, etc.

I have a mix and match. I do weekly planning for getting basic structure. I make to-do lists to know the things to do. I do time blocking for meetings and classes, which helps me view the schedule for the day. 

I do digital planning as I am usually on my laptop, and it's easier for me to access everything.

#5 Do a Weekly Review and Reflect

Doing a Weekly Review can help you feel accomplished, as you'll see some progress every time you do so. A weekly review and reflection can also help you understand what you can do better in the upcoming week.

I have created a printable for a Weekly Review. Click here to see the printable.

#6 Keep your to-do lists short

When you see your to-do list with 15 different tasks to do, you'll probably feel overwhelmed and procrastinate. Instead, use a 3-priority to-do list. These three things should be big projects that take 1-2 hours. After doing these three tasks, you can do bonus tasks if time permits.

#7 Multitasking

Multitasking is good. You can do multiple tasks at the same time without wasting time. 

Making sure that you're multitasking the right way is essential. Watching youtube while doing your homework is not the perfect example of multitasking, it just shows that you're procrastinating but not admitting to it.

Listening to a podcast while having breakfast or while working out are better ways to multitask.

#8 Never Overpack your Day

Tasks may take longer than expected, urgent things come up, or suddenly you feel tired and need to relax. These things happen with everyone, and overpacking your day doesn't help it. Know that you are not a work machine, and you are not supposed to be working all day.

Being productive means completing your tasks and finding time for yourself, and not working all the time.

These were some tips that help me, and I hope they help you out too.

If you don't know, I will be posting my blog every Saturday at 18:30 IST so, keep yourself posted.

I would love to see your comments down below, to improve myself and get motivated, so don't forget to do the same.