The 24 hours each day gives us is the most precious tool we have. It is a common theme amongst many that we feel the day does not give us enough time. How many times have you wished for just a few more hours?
The fact of the matter is, however, that 24 hours is the perfect amount of time. In 24 hours, the world manages to spin, the sun manages to shine, and the moon manages to rise. So why can’t we manage to get a list of tasks completed?
We must master how to manage our own time. By mastering time management, we ultimately become the boss of our own day. You will find your workday productive and your social life satisfied, all while still having time for the much needed but often ignored self-care.
Here are some tips and tricks for mastering time management and becoming the boss of your own day:
Write a List
I can’t even begin to tell you how many notebooks I have filled with lists. Every morning, the first thing I do is make a list of things I want to accomplish throughout my day. These tasks are not just work-related but related to every part of my life. This list can change throughout the day, and that’s fine, but having a core list of items you wish to accomplish throughout your day will allow you to figure out when to allocate time to what.
Tackle The Elephant in the Room
When I was little, my mom always told me that when cleaning my room, I should pick up the largest items off the floor. That way, cleaning my room didn’t feel like such an immense task. The same piece of advice can go for time management. Whatever elephant is on your list of tasks should be completed first, that way it is out of the way, some stress is relieved, and you can already feel accomplished at the very beginning of your day (that’s some great motivation!).
Make Yourself A Priority
This is easier said than done. More often than not, we put everyone and everything throughout our day before ourselves. Then, before we know it, it’s 4 PM and we haven’t even eaten lunch.
Prioritize yourself throughout the day, whether that means taking 20 minutes to read a book, going for a walk, or eating a healthy lunch. If you are not functioning properly, you’ll never complete your list to the best of your ability.
Check Off Your Completed Tasks
As you work through your day, cross off all completed items on your to-do list. Giving yourself a visual element of progress will raise your self-esteem, self-confidence, and motivation to go about your day. Visible progress helps you move forward and will help you avoid procrastinating. If you find that you have not crossed off every item on your list, that’s okay. Focus on what you have crossed off, and leave the items unmarked for your next 24 hours.
Time Management Tips To Avoid
When prioritizing your day, be sure to allow yourself an adequate amount of time to accomplish each task. Don’t rush through tasks just to be able to cross them off. Remember, quality over quantity.
Give yourself room for error. Don’t assume everything will work the way you envisioned throughout your day. There may be a hiccup or multiple, and that’s okay! Allow yourself time to tackle these unexpected turns with ease to avoid stress and frustration.
Don’t try to do multiple tasks at once. You are allocating time to each task for a reason. Allow that task its given time and focus on that task until it is completed the way you want it to be!
Each and every one of us has 24 hours in a day. No matter how you plan to spend it, remember these time management tips during your next trip around the sun!