Maximising time is about properly prioritising things and doing what is really important. But how to do it? Here are some tips:
1) Work out where your time goes: once you have identified those points in the day where time is clearly being wasted then this will assist you in setting priorities.
2) Set targets: having a firm idea of your targets will help you know where to put in all your efforts.
3) Compile a list to tick: free your mind by making a list of all the things that you need to do, that way you can look at it and tick stuff off as you go.
4) Get your priorities right: Avoid the temptation to do the easy stuff first, rather than the tasks that actually are the priorities.
5) Nail it first time: Do a job when you are in the mood for it, rather than trying to squeeze it in your day when you are tired or hungry as you’ll only end up doing half a job.
6) Don’t procrastinate: try to distance yourself from all those potential distractions that could put you off the tasks you should be doing.
7) Be organised: declutter your home and working environment and give everything a permanent place where you know you’ll be able to find it.
8) Delegate more: free up some time for yourself by enlisting others to do the tasks for you. Passing over tasks that someone else can do, particularly if they can do them quicker and better than you, makes sense.
9) Multi-task: by combining tasks well you can make the most of your available time.
10) Say ‘no’ more frequently: saying “no” will help you avoid overload and potential burnout and you won’t be dumped with additional tasks to look to delegate.
11) Avoid distractions: avoid those things that could distract you unnecessarily.
12) Take time out: taking time out will fully charge you both mentally and physically and you’ll be able to work more efficiently.
For more information, read the full article.
Image source: Flickr – Sean MacEntee (CC BY 2.0)
