8 Time Management Tips To Help You Master Your Day

There are two steps to having the right mindset when it comes to Time Management...

1 – Know That You Have a Problem
Knowing you have a time management problem is the first step to solving the problem. Although it is typical to be late for work or a social event on occasion, it is something that should not be happening on a daily or a weekly basis. If it is, it is time for you to realize that you may have a problem.

2 – Decide To Change
Knowing that you have a time management problem is important, but being willing to change in order to solve the problem is even more important. You need to set goals for yourself, as these goals can help to provide you with a source of motivation. Sample goals include showing up to work on time for a whole month, being on time for all dinner dates, and so forth.

Determine the time of day during where you find that you are most productive.
For the average person, the most productive time of day is between 9:00 am and 11:00 am.
One of the reasons people end up wasting time is because they are easily distracted. If you feel this the main source of your time management problems, you will want to determine what your biggest distractions are.
For example, do you spend too much time socializing with coworkers after work or with the neighbors? If so, you don’t have to completely eliminate this contact, but try to limit it. The same can be said with television and internet use.
Because of this it is important to determine your ideal work environment:
Where are you most productive?
What is your preferred noise level?
Do you work better when you are alone or with a group?

Creating a to do list for yourself is an easy way to properly manage your time. In fact, it is one of the easiest approaches you can take to proper Time Management.
Outline what you need to do throughout the day. Be sure to list your tasks in order of importance. Non-daily tasks should also be added. These tasks may include running an errand before work, attending a child’s sporting event, helping your child with an important school project, going on a date, and so forth.
A to do list can help make sure that you stay focused and on task. It can also help create a new routine for yourself, one where you are better aware of your time and what must be done.
Performing multiple tasks at once diminishes work quality and ultimately wastes time.
Multitasking, task switching, and context switching are all time-waste traps that are easy to fall unconsciously fall into.
Focus on just one thing at a time, eliminate distractions and complete one task completely before moving onto the next one.

In addition to creating a to do list, you are also urged to prioritize.
Learning how to prioritize is another important component of being able to properly manage your time. It is important to remember that the day and its time is limited. If you have a family and a fulltime job, you may find it difficult to get everything done. If that is the case, be sure to prioritize. You can leave the less important tasks, such as dusting your house for later or the following day and do your laundry instead.
Prioritizing combined with daily to do lists is one of the best forms of time management.
Whether your to do list is for the home or work, take a close look at all of the tasks you need to complete.
Which tasks are more important?
Which tasks are urgent?
To reduce stress, add important tasks with the most urgency to the top of your to do list.
Determine which tasks are of the highest importance.
Use your priorities to guide your use of time when the schedule is off-track.

Properly managing your time is important, but it can be hard for many individuals to get used to, especially right away.
If you are one of these individuals, you will want to consider using time management tools to your advantage. Many cell phones and computers come with alarm clocks, alerts, and so much more you can use to help you better manage your time.
Keep track of the way your daily schedule usually unfolds.
Take planned breaks and use them to practice mindfulness.
Mindfulness increases productivity and reduces stress.
Take advantage of small opportunities for mindfulness.

Another successful time management technique is one that is very easy, but many people have a hard time doing it. This time management technique is just saying no. It is important to remember that there are only a limited number of hours in the day. No matter how much time and effort you put into staying focused and on task, there are still some things that you may not get accomplished. That is why you should never take on more than you reasonably believe that you can handle.
There will be times where you may not be able to refuse a project at work or a task at home, but try to not take on more than you can accomplish. If you must, look into using outside help. In the home, this outside help can come from a housecleaner. At the workplace, this outside help can come from a coworker.

One of the most successful time management techniques is that of goal setting. Goals can provide you with an important source of much needed motivation. They give you something specific to aim for. Whether you set a long-term goal, such as improving the management of your time in general, or a short-term goal, such as showing up for work on time, goals are important. However, make sure that the time management goals you do set for yourself are realistic.
Creating a number of time management goals for you to achieve is advised, but it is important that you don’t give up immediately or when you are faced with complications. Setting goals isn’t enough, you need to action them and stick with them.
A Few points to remember:
Focus on one or a select few high-priority tasks each day.
Leave no task untouched.
Divide your days according to task category.
Be sure to leave time for fun.

Staying organized is another easy, yet effective and successful time management technique. Did you know that time management and organization go hand in hand? Organization is key to good time management.
If you are organized, you will spend less time searching for lost or misplaced items or other important work documents. The more organized you are at both home and work, the easier it will be for you to manage your time.
If you are unorganized, you are likely to be waste a large amount of time.
For example, in the workplace you can waste time by searching for lost or misplaced documents. The same can be said for the home; if you are unorganized, you can spend hours searching for your glasses or car keys.
Start by creating new habits to organize your life. If you are in the habit of losing your car keys, you could create a new habit by choosing a place to put your keys as soon as you walk into your house/office. After a few days of actively focusing on putting your keys in this space immediately, it will soon become second nature.