How to properly allocate your time

Author: Ellen Moore
Date Of Creation: 12 January 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
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Video: How to manage your time more effectively (according to machines) - Brian Christian

Content

Time management is an important skill to develop. It will help you make the most of each day and bring success at work and school. To manage your time, use it productively by working in the right environment and prioritizing it correctly. Minimize any distractions by turning off your phone and social media as needed. Adhere to your daily routine to make the most of each day.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Use your time productively

  1. 1 Create the right environment for work. The atmosphere you work in can generally increase your productivity. There are no clear requirements for a work environment, so choose what works for you.Surround yourself with inspirational accessories that fill you with enthusiasm and passion for the job. These feelings will help you focus on the task and stay productive.
    • For example, perhaps an artist inspires you. Buy some replicas of his work and hang them on the walls.
    • If you have the opportunity to choose a workplace, choose the one where you will be less distracted by something. Working in front of the TV is a bad idea, but you can put your desk in the corner of your bedroom and do your business there.
  2. 2 List all assignments in order of importance. Before getting started, prioritize. To-do lists are a great tool, but it's better to structure them rather than just writing down everything that needs to be done in a day. Group all cases by importance.
    • Before making your list, write down the categories of importance. For example, tasks marked "urgent" need to be completed today. Cases identified as "important but not urgent" need to be completed, but they can wait. Jobs that fall under the "low priority" category can be postponed if necessary.
    • Divide all cases into categories. For example, if you need to complete a report on a job, this is an urgent task. If you need to start a new project with a deadline of only two weeks, then this is an "important but not urgent" business. If you would like to go for a run after work, but it is not vital, then this is a "low priority" task.
  3. 3 Do the important assignments first. The first thing in the morning to do the really big things is to give you a sense of accomplishment. The day will start off well, and most of the stress will simply disappear. Start each new day by reviewing the most important tasks on the list.
    • For example, if you have five emails awaiting your response and a report that needs to be edited, do just that as soon as you cross the threshold of the office.
  4. 4 Some part of the work should always be at hand. If there will always be a part of the business next to you, then even the forced downtime will become an advantage. If you have a couple of free minutes on the bus, take advantage of this to read something related to work or study. While waiting in line at the grocery store, answer a few work emails from your phone. Having work close at hand can help you make the most of your time.
    • If you are a student, consider buying audiobooks or recording lectures. You can listen to course materials while standing in line or on your way to class.
  5. 5 Don't do several things at the same time. Many people see multitasking as a good way to get more done in a day and manage their time wisely. Regardless, focusing on multiple tasks at the same time actually makes you less productive. Everything takes longer because you are not paying enough attention to anything. Instead, focus on one task at a time. This way, you get all the work done faster, and you can use your time more efficiently.
    • For example, answer all emails. Then log out of your email account and proceed to the next task. Don't worry about mail at the moment. If you still need to answer a couple of emails later in the day, you can get on with that by finishing the assignment you are currently doing.

Method 2 of 3: Minimize Distractions

  1. 1 Disconnect your phone. If circumstances permit, turn off your mobile. Phones take up a lot of time during the day that you can use more productively. When you can go to Facebook or view your mail at any time, most likely you will do so. Do yourself a favor and turn off your phone while you do other things. If you are overcome by procrastination and each time you impulsively reach for the phone, you will see only a blank screen that goes out.
    • If you need your phone to be on for work, leave it across the room. You will not be constantly drawn to him if it is not so easy to do it. You can also turn off all notifications that are not important for work.
  2. 2 Close all unnecessary browsers. Many people these days rely on computers or the internet to get work done. Facebook, Twitter, or other distracting work background sites will adversely affect your time management skills. You may also be distracted by tabs about old projects or search histories that are not relevant to your current job. Get in the habit of closing the tab as soon as you're done with the site. Focus only on the sites you need to work.
    • Train yourself to keep only one or two tabs open at a time.
  3. 3 Block social media. Sometimes it's hard to avoid the temptation to go to Facebook or Twitter. If you have problems with social media, there are many apps and websites that allow you to temporarily block distracting sites.
    • SelfControl is an application for Mac users that blocks access to selected sites for a specified period of time. It can be downloaded for free.
    • If you need to be completely offline, the Freedom app allows you to block access to the Internet for up to eight hours in a row.
    • The built-in Firefox Leechblock application allows you to limit the use of certain sites for a certain time during the day.
  4. 4 Avoid work interruptions as much as possible. This will slow down your workflow. If you are distracted by something else while robots, it can be quite difficult to get back to working mode. When working on a task, try to finish it before starting any other tasks. Everything else can wait while you work hard to complete some business.
    • For example, if you suddenly realize that you need to reply to an email while you are doing some work, do not interrupt to write a response. Make a note somewhere that you need to send a letter and come back to this after you finish the current task.
    • Remember, sometimes hitches are unavoidable. If, for example, during work you suddenly get a call on an urgent matter, of course, you should answer the call. Try to avoid interruptions in your work, but don't punish yourself for intermittent distractions.

Method 3 of 3: Stick to a Daily Schedule

  1. 1 Use a digital calendar. Technology is a wonderful way to manage time, keep track of deadlines and appointments, and more. Use calendars on your phone and on your computer. Write down tasks for the day, such as appointments and work or study schedules. Set up reminders. For example, set a reminder on your phone a week before the job submission deadline. Set aside time in your schedule for study or work on a project.
    • In addition to a digital calendar, a regular calendar can also help. You can put it on your desk or carry it with you in your diary. Sometimes the process of writing down information on paper helps you remember it better.
  2. 2 Determine when you are most productive. People experience a surge of energy at different times during the day. When you know when you are using your time most effectively, you can plan to work during those hours. For example, if you are most energetic in the morning, try to do most of the work during this time. Then in the evening you can relax and do what you like.
    • It takes time to identify your energy peaks. Try recording your energy and concentration levels throughout the day throughout the week. This will help you understand when you are most productive.
  3. 3 Plan your day in the first 30 minutes after waking up. It is very helpful to make a plan for the day in the morning.Once you are awake, consider a checklist of what you need to do and define an approximate time frame for each task. Keep work and social responsibilities and assignments in mind at all times.
    • Let's say you work from eight to four, and you need to call your grandmother and wish her a happy birthday, and after work you still have to go to pick up things from the dry cleaner. In the morning, decide in which order you should complete these tasks.
    • If your grandmother lives in a different time zone, call after work so it's not too late for her. Then pick up your dry cleaning items.
  4. 4 Schedule breaks and short breaks. No one can work continuously without breaks and stops. Sometimes it's a good idea to take small breaks during the day on purpose. This way, taking breaks will not completely occupy your day and derail all plans.
    • Plan long breaks throughout the day in addition to small breaks from work.
    • For example, plan to set aside an hour for lunch and half an hour for watching TV each day to relax and "switch" after work.
    • You can also schedule a short break while working. For example, you are writing some kind of report. Give yourself 5 minutes to check social media for every 500 words you write.
  5. 5 Do some of the work on the weekend. Weekends are meant to be relaxing and relaxing, so don't overdo it. However, doing a small part of the work on the weekend can bring significant benefits. Consider how many small things that pile up over the weekend, making Mondays even more difficult. For example, you could send several emails on Saturday morning, and then there will be fewer emails by Monday.
    • Remember, rest is very important. You can do a little work on the weekend, but give yourself the opportunity to relax and enjoy life.
  6. 6 Stick to a sleep routine. If you want to manage your time, a clear sleep schedule is essential. A well-thought-out sleep schedule will keep you awake early and ready to start the day. To stick to your schedule, go to bed and wake up at approximately the same time every day, even on weekends. The body will get used to this sleep / wake cycle, and you will feel tired when you need to go to sleep and energized in the morning.

Tips

  • Be flexible and relax. Allow surprises in your life. Some things can take precedence over a rigid and methodical routine. Even under the most unusual circumstances, you will need no more than an hour or a few days to return to your usual schedule.