How do you begin each day?
Perhaps with a cup of strong black coffee?
I don’t know about you, but I sometimes get to the end of the day and wonder, “What exactly did I get done today?”
Very frustrating!
I’ve found that rather than having a somewhat vague idea of what I need to achieve, a robust plan is just the thing to get me motivated.
Here are 3 time management tips to help you manage your day better
1. Plan
Take 5 minutes before you begin work for the day to plan what you need to get done.
So, for me that means BEFORE I turn on my computer I need to sit down with a blank piece of paper and make a list of important tasks to get done that day.
Personally, I like to use post-it notes, but a notepad or plain piece of paper will do the same job.
Try noting down 3-4 things you want to get done, and keep referring to the list throughout the day.
Also, be realistic about what you can accomplish in your day too—don’t expect too much, and equally don’t expect too little of yourself
Photo source: typofi
2. Refocus
I love this idea…
Take one minute each hour to check your progress.
I’d suggest setting the alarm on your computer, phone or watch to ring every hour. Then when it goes off, take a deep breath, look at your to-do list, and ask yourself if you’ve spent the last hour productively, or not.
The next step is to recommit to the following hour and whatever task you want to achieve.
Image source: cema
3. Review
When you reach the end of your working day, get yourself a nice cup of coffee and assess what went well, what didn’t? If you were distracted, why? And, what will help improve your performance tomorrow?
This means you’re always improving on the previous day.
Photo source: anya-anya
Another good tip is when you hear yourself saying, “I don’t have enough time,” to repeat this mantra:
“I have all the time I need, to do all the things I need to do.”
This will help you to feel relaxed and liberated and relieve any tension, so you can get on with the important work you need to get done.
Remember, these tips are easily transferable in helping you achieve a healthier lifestyle too. For example:
- Note down your goals.
- At the end of each day remind yourself of what you’re trying to achieve—do you need to recommit to your goals for the following day?
- Set a date at the end of each week to check your progress, and think about how you can move forward in the week that follows.
For more tips read, An 18-Minute Plan for Managing Your Day.
What time management tips do you use to help organize your day?
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Thank you for 3 easy but very important tips. It’s all about having a plan for sure. Then it’s all about sticking to the plan. I liked your last point about reviewing your day, I think I need to add that to my daily routine.
I often plan a head. I write my to-do list for the next morning in the end of my work day. That way I can clear my thoughts the rest of the evening so that I don’t go around and think about all the things I need to remember to put on the to-do list the next morning.
Hey Thomas,
Yes, it’s a great idea to write your to-do list the day before, that can really help with focus when you wake up the following day.
I think constantly reviewing our progress is a good thing, not to get obsessed about it, but just so we’re always improving.
I Try to make lists of things that need to be done…but I have a couple of irons in my personal fire all requiring somewhat different ‘plans’
I just looked this morning at my Uni/assigment schedule for this week…and I don’t know what happened to Tuesday as none of those things got done!
However, I do have a schedule of when the assigments and take home tests are due and I’ve not behind yet, except for one week when I had to have an extn because it’s a brand new dept and I didn’t understand the terminology!
I’m ahead on some other things though…hope to hand in my History essay tomorrow instead of next Monday!
I try to have just one diary….but I do also have large numbered calendar for spot checks!! As soon as I know something needs to be on the schedule it’s in my diary
Cathy in NZ´s last blog ..You never know what’s in a trademans’ toolbox
Hi Cathy,
It’s a good idea to have a schedule of all your assignments and tests to keep you on track.
Melanie,
I started making a proper list of what I want to get done every day about a year or so ago. When I take those minutes in the morning to focus on what has to be done, what are the first things that need doing, and what I might get done if I have the time for it, I actually manage a lot more than when I think I just don’t have time to sit down and plan! Same as with meal planning. Planning saves time and gets a lot more done. For example, my washing machine can be running while I vacuum. Why not set it first thing, and then vacuum? But if I don’t plan, I can easily forget such little things.
I’ll have to try the second tip. Especially during the morning hours while the boys are at Kindergarten and in the afternoon, after my short nap time.
Ruth,
Isn’t it so interesting that you get more done when you plan, even though it seems like it’s taking valuable time out of the beginning of your day! Thanks for commenting about that, I hope it will help others to see that this stuff really does work in practice.