Today I wanted to share some time management tips I have learned along the way that I use to increase my productivity. Most of them are super simple to implement, but just take some discipline! I’d love to hear what works for you as well!
1. Set up a routine and stick to it
Whether you work in an office or at home, setting a routine is vital to both time management and productivity. This includes not just what time you start work, but how you work as well. The more you can make things a habit rather than a choice the less brain power you need to use and the less time you will waste. It can take some time to establish, but don’t give up!
2. Get the ball rolling with small tasks
If you’re struggling to get started on a task, or your day, tick off some small, short tasks to help you build up momentum. This will mean that you’re still using your time effectively, and before you know it you’ll be in the swing of things. Doing work is the best way to get working!
3.Break tasks down
The best way to tackle large or difficult pieces of work is to break them down into discrete tasks. This way we can more effectively determine how long each task will take and allocate the time to achieve them. It also makes them way less intimidating, so we’re more likely to actually get started.
4. Don’t let tasks go on indefinitely
For those tasks that don’t have pressing deadlines we can find ourselves dedicating way more time to them than they actually need. Oftentimes done is better than perfect, so set yourself a deadline and work to that. It will make you work faster and more efficiently, and you can always come back to tidy up small details at a later date.
5. Make sure you’re single tasking
I’ve spoken at length about why single tasking is so important, so it definitely needs to be on this list too! Focusing on one task at a time forces us to work smarter, more effectively and faster. It helps us manage our time better and most definitely increases productivity. If you haven’t gotten on the single-tasking bandwagon yet I highly recommend you do!
6. Create systems
Having systems in place to organise your work helps to streamline your processes and ultimately saves you lots of time. This can include systems for managing your filing, dealing with emails, you name it. That will reduce the time you spend firstly dealing with those tasks, and secondly locating what you need at a later date. Plus, it’s likely to reduce clutter (both physical and digital) which is an added bonus!
7. Batch tasks
Batching tasks simply means completing related tasks all at once, rather than chopping and changing between what you’re doing. Different kinds of tasks require different thinking, so if you can get into the swing of one kind of task you’re likely to work much more efficiently. For example, when I’m doing blog related work I make sure to take all the photos at once, then edit them all, followed by writing up recipes and so on. It certainly makes me work more effectively and helps me manage my time.
8. Work when you’re in the zone
The last of my time management tips is to work when you’re in the zone. If you’re getting things done and ticking tasks off the to-do list then run with that and avoid all distractions. On the contrary, if you’re really struggling and even starting with small tasks isn’t helping then take a break, clear your mind and then try again.
I hope these time management tips are helpful, I’d love to hear yours too!
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
Mark | Productive Physician
January 31, 2018 at 10:20 am (7 years ago)Hey Liz.
Another Melbournite here…
Enjoyed this post.
Have you tried ‘Eat that Frog’ as a strategy. It’s kind of opposite to your ‘2. Get the ball rolling with small tasks’ suggestion but seems to work for some people.
The other thing I find useful is to decide my three most important tasks (MITs) the night before, which allows me to hit the ground running!
Cheers 🙂
Mark | Productive Physician recently posted…Finish: How to Defeat Perfectionism and Conquer Your Goals
Smaggle
February 1, 2018 at 1:44 pm (7 years ago)Love the reminder to single task – I forget that one nearly every day!
Meltblogs
December 10, 2020 at 4:42 pm (4 years ago)Avoiding multi tasking is very important part in the time management process. Nice article.