Time management:

Definition:

“The predictable control on individual can over a series of events”

It is rightly said “Time and Tide wait for none”. An individual should understand the value of time for him to succeed in all aspects of life. People who waste time are the ones who fail to create an identity of Smart time managers knows that there is much more to do than anyone could possibly accomplish .So instead of trying to do it all, smart time managers are very picky about how they spend their time.They choose to focus and spend their time doing a few vital projects that will really make a difference ,rather than spending all their time doing many trivial things that don’t really matter all their much.If you become a good time manager, you will not only get a lot more done in less time ,but you will feel more relaxed ,focused and in control of your time. you will be able to use your time in a much more balanced and effective way .

What is Time Management?

Time Management refers to managing time effectively so that the right time is allocated to the right activity.

Effective time management allows individuals to assign specific time slots to activities as per their importance.  Time Management refers to making the best use of time as time is always limited. Ask yourself which activity is more important and how much time should be allocated to the same? Know which work should be done earlier and which can be done a little later.

Time Management plays a very important role not only in organizations but also in our personal lives.

Time Management includes:

• Effective Planning
• Setting goals and objectives
• Setting deadlines

·         Delegation of responsibilities

·         Prioritizing activities as per their importance

·         Spending the right time on the right activity

Time wasting culprits:

• Poor planning
• Procrastination
• Waiting /Delays
• Paperwork
• Junk mail
• Drop-in visitors
• Telephone interruptions
• Inefficient Delegation
• Extend lunched/breaks
• Poorly run meeting
• Misfiled information
• Cultured space work
• Socializing on the job
• Gossiping
• Parties
• Entertainment

Learning time management skills:

In the end, time management comes down to choices. Good choices lead to better results, while poor choices lead to wasted time and energy.

The good news is that time management skills can be learned and mastered by anyone. all it takes is practice and dedication.The hard way usually involves years of trial and error and lots of false starts trying to figure out what works and what does not.

 Time Management Tips:

1. Delegate Tasks:                 

 It is common for all of us to take more tasks than our desired potential. This can often result in stress and burnout. Delegation is not running away from your responsibilities but is an important function of management. Learn the art of delegating work to your subordinates as per their skills and abilities.

2. Prioritize Work:   

Before the start of the day, make a list of tasks that need your immediate attention as unimportant tasks can consume much of your precious time. Some tasks need to be completed on that day only while other unimportant tasks could be carried forward to next day.  In short, prioritize your tasks to focus on those that are more important.

3. Avoid Procrastination:

 Procrastination is one of the things that badly affect the productivity. It can result is wasting essential time and energy. It should be avoided at all costs. It could be a major problem in both your career and your personal life.

4. Schedule Tasks:    

 Carry a planner or notebook with you and list all the tasks that come to your mind. Make a simple ‘To Do’ list before the start of the day, prioritize the tasks, and make sure that they are attainable.

5. Avoid Stress: 

Stress often occurs when we accept more work than our ability. The result is that our body starts feeling tired which can affect our productivity. Instead, delegate tasks to your juniors and make sure to leave some time for relaxation.

6. Set up Deadlines:              

When you have a task at hand, set a realistic deadline and stick to it. Try to set a deadline few days before the task so that you can complete all those tasks that may get in the way. Challenge yourself and meet the deadline. Reward yourself for meeting a difficult challenge.

7. Avoid Multitasking:

 Most of us feel that multitasking is an efficient way of getting things done but the truth is that we do better when we focus and concentrate on one thing. Multitasking hampers productivity and should be avoided to improve time management skills.

8. Start Early:

 Most of the successful men and women have one thing in common. They start their day early as it gives them time to sit, think, and plan their day. When you get up early, you are more calm, creative, and clear-headed. As the day progresses, your energy levels starts going down which affects your productivity and you don’t perform as well.

9. Take Some Breaks:          

Whenever you find yourself for 10-15 minutes, take a break. Too much stress can take toll on your body and affect your productivity. Take a walk, listen to some music or do some quick stretches. The best idea is to take off from work and spend time with your friends and family.

10. Learn to say No:

 Politely refuse to accept additional tasks if you think that you’re already overloaded with work. Take a look at your ‘To Do’ list before agreeing to take on extra work.

12. Carry a note book:

You never know you are going to have a great idea or brilliant insight. Carry a small notebook with you whenever you go so you can capture tour thoughts. If you wait too long to write them down could forget.

                                                                         

13. Plan your work and Learn to use Idle Time:

Spend some time at the beginning of each week to plan your schedule. Taking extra time to do this will help increase your productivity and balance your important long –term projects with your more urgent tasks.

14. Thinking before acting:                                                                                             How many times have you said yes to something you later regretted? Before committing to a new task, stop to think about it before you give your answer. This prevent you form taking on too much work.

15. Keep a journal goal:      

Schedule times to set evaluate your goals. Start a journal and write down your progress for each goal. Go through your goal journal each week to make sure you are on the right track.