The only time you can ever really appreciate the value of time is when your schedule is always so packed. It’s in these moments that you wish you could buy time, just to catch a break from work, your social life, and all the other responsibilities you have to juggle. If you can relate to all of this, then worry not! We’ve got just the right tips to help you manage your limited time, being the busy bee that you are.
Prioritise Tasks
When you look at the list of things that you have to juggle, you are already aware of the items that are less important and the items that are of a higher priority. For you to feel better about checking your bucket list for the day, you need to ensure that the high-priority tasks are seen to. So ensure that you prioritise your work, doing it from the most important item to the least important item until all your activities are accomplished. Besides, if you start with challenging, high-priority tasks, you'll be able to start your day while being already mentally ready to jingle your day. Whereas if you start with the less priority tasks, when you get to the important to-do items, you may already be burnt out.
Plan Your Activities
One mistake that people make when they feel like they have a lot of tasks to do is rush into it without a game plan. You need to compose yourself, sit down and write all the tasks you are required to complete for the day then break them down and plan on how you will tackle them. Make time, early in the morning when you get to work, to plan all the tasks that you are supposed to complete, grouping similar tasks so that you can have a structured day. When you plan, you are helping your mind to brace itself for what the day is going to be like as well as planning out tasks that can be done at once. So, instead of moving in circles all day and finding yourself doing some tasks you could have done before, you help save time by planning your day before it unfolds.
Have A Routine
Having a routine helps anchor your day and prepare you for the day all while saving time. You see, if you just start your day haphazardly, chances are that you will waste time on it. So when you create a daily routine, you save time and help yourself gear up for the day to come. Being the busy person that you are will also help ensure that you don't forget to do some of the things that you are supposed to do. So if you are a busy bee who wants to manage their time more mindfully, you need to have a routine.
Make Use Of Time Blocking
One mistake that you may be making, which is eating your time away, is just doing an activity and giving it all of your days without setting a finishing time. This type of work plan will give you the illusion that you have all the time in the world and the only time you will realise that this was a lie is when you have already run out of time for all your other tasks. Instead, make use of time blocking where you allocate certain time blocks and match them to certain activities. By planning your activities and matching them to the block of time they have in your day, you will help save a lot of time and it will help you to stay mindful of your time. Remember, this isn't to say that you can't be flexible where there is a need; however, just having the structure will change your time management game and elevate it to a whole different level.
Block Distractions
If you know very well that the noise from the work lounge distracts you, or that seeing your phone close by distracts you, then don't just let the distractions take over, do something about it By limiting your distractions, you'll be able to redirect that time towards another item that you need to tick off your to-do list for the day. So don't just get tempted by everything; look for ways to block all distractions, and you'll notice how your time will be managed more thoroughly.
Take On Only Activities You Can Handle
There is a difference between being a busy bee and setting yourself to be burnt out. No one will ever reward you for taking on too many tasks on your plate and then doing them improperly or messing them up. Taking on tasks that you know you can complete is one of the best things you can ever do for yourself. Learn to say ‘no’ and don't shy away from it because if you don't, people will pile up all the work they can't do on you and you'll drown under it. Know your limits and acknowledge them. That way, you'll save time for yourself.
Delegate
If you are in a position to delegate some of the work that is supposed to be done to other people, then that is exactly what you should do. Stop being a perfectionist and wanting to see things through yourself. This will only weigh on you and leave you burnt out and tired. Delegate certain roles and duties to other people and that way, you'll get things done more timely.