Time management is finding the ability to do your work more effectively and efficiently in the time you allotted to you when you are at work. Many people simply follow the formula of being hyper-productive at the workplace.
Hyper-productive people try to do as many tasks as possible at work, which may keep them busy during the entire day, and eventually lead them to more success. Such people will always try to rush through their work, in order to make time for more work and may lead to mindless productivity.
Mindless productivity, is managing tasks that may be menial in significance, and lead to time being wasted at work. Such tasks include, making calls, running errands, organizing files, checking e-mails and basic tasks which eat into your time at work. Unless it is your job to do such things, you should make better use of your time, so that you work smarter and not harder.
The age old saying of working smarter, not harder at the workplace, still holds true to this day. Ask any successful entrepreneur today and they will invariably tell you, how they multi-task through the day and still make time for their family and friends every day. It is through efficient time management that they can take care of their tasks, which are most important to them. This very balance eventually leads them to success.
Working like a robot at the workplace, does not necessarily mean that the work you are doing, meets the standard of quality which is expected of people who want to be successful in the organization you work. The best way to utilize time management is by eliminating tasks which are menial and can be done by delegating them to others which will make you more efficient during your time at work, and not tire you, so that you have time to relax, play and rest with your family.
Time management does not mean, trying to accomplish maximum number of tasks in the time given to you at work. It is, in fact, the best use of your time at work. Here are some time management tips, which will enable you to become more organized at your workplace, and largely, in life.
Taking the Bull by the Horns
Just another common expression used widely which suggests taking control of the situation and dealing it head on. This is the most important rule of time management, since it allows you to identify which tasks demand your immediate attention and need to be tackled immediately.
Getting important tasks out of the way first thing in the morning will make your day a success already, and give you a sense of accomplishment, in addition to ensuring that the rest of the day goes smoothly.
Prioritize Your Work
Do not become disillusioned by trying to work hard, and taking on commitments which you cannot manage realistically. Many people assume that they can juggle several projects together and will be able to manage them before the deadline approaches. Prioritize your work and learn to decline projects which do not need your immediate attention or are not as important.
Time management will only work, if you know your priorities and realize your potential in the workplace. Taking on projects which you cannot handle will not impress anyone in the workplace as well.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
You need to sleep at least seven to eight hours a day in order to be productive at work. There is no point coming to work and then being drowsy and sleepy, and if you think that you will make up the time by working a couple of extra hours then think again.
Do not underestimate the value of a good night’s rest, which will go a long way in helping you manage your work and time better at work.
Focus is the Key
Your concentration levels at work do play a role in ensuring that you manage to do your work more efficiently, and having the right focus is the key to effectively completing assignments at work. When you are working on a project or assignment, keep all your concentration and focus on that and do not drift away.
Keep you cell phone on silent or listen to music, whatever helps you concentrate basically, in order to make efficient use of your time at work.
Comeback Later to Finish Simple Tasks
Many people waste their time at work places and get bogged down by doing menial tasks and small details. If you are stuck on something, leave it and come back to it later, since this will allow you to keep your focus on the task which you can accomplish in the mean time.
Many people are perfectionists, and will not move on to the next task, until they are completely satisfied with the end result. That is a good attribute to have, and may work sometimes, but not always. You should complete the whole task at hand and then come back to finish off the simple tasks in the end. This will enable you to complete your work in time and leave more time for revisions.
Get into the Habit of Working Smart
The best way to utilize time management is by becoming habitual at work, and finding joy in your work. If you love what you do, you will not find it a burden to accomplish challenging tasks, and will work faster in order to meet important deadlines. Working smarter in your work, will allow you to deal with simple problems much easily and focus on more difficult aspects of your job.
Practically all of us have busy lives and find it to be a constant struggle to manage time today. Time management will allow you to identify the unimportant details in your life and how you should remove them in order to become better and lead more successful and significant lives.