When it comes to time management, there are several additional skills that must be mastered. I’ve compiled a more extensive list of time management abilities, so you can analyze which skills you still need to work on if you want to be very effective at time management.
Asking for assistance – When you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or there’s no way to outsource, your only option may be to seek help. Some people perceive asking for help as embarrassing and see it as a sign that they are not good enough. However, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with getting help. It is, in fact, a sign of strength rather than weakness.
Automating tasks – With today’s technology, there are several alternatives for task automation, particularly in email and social media management. For further information on how to automate processes, look into services like IFTTT and Zapier.
Batching – There are several things you may batch together to increase your productivity. Task types, meeting places, phone calls (you may employ call handling services), and so on. Batching may be an effective cure to multitasking and a wonderful method to boost productivity.
Clarity – Being perplexed or disoriented is a major impediment to growth and making good use of your time. It indicates that you are trapped and unable to go forward. The primary enabler of successful time management is having a very clear vision of what you want and how you will get there.
Completion – Many people find it difficult to complete a task. They execute a task to 90% or higher, and then experience an emotional block that prevents them from reaching the finish line. You must understand how to overcome such a load.
Coping skills / Stress management – In a complicated and difficult setting, you must maintain attention, sharpness, and immunity to numerous outside influences. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, you must practice effective coping skills. This covers skills like dealing with tough individuals and dealing with stress.
Creating routines – Routines and patterns are quite appealing to our minds. We notice patterns even when there aren’t any. But the good news is that once you’ve established a habit, it’s almost effortless to stick to it. As a result, routines are an essential component of time management. A series of procedures should comprise your time management system. Every morning, for example, you may jot down the three most critical activities for the day. It’s a simple habit that may boost your productivity significantly. A fascinating truth is that it normally takes 1 to 2 months to adjust to a new schedule.
Discipline / Beating procrastination – Discipline implies doing something whether you like it or not. It needs discipline to begin a task, discipline to continue with the work, and discipline to complete the assignment. It also needs discipline to overcome procrastination and complete tasks.
Staying flexible – In fact, nothing ever goes as planned. That implies you must remain adaptable in order to optimize your production in every given circumstance. As previously said, preparation is critical, but you must also be flexible in terms of how your objectives will be met.
Focusing / Avoiding multitasking – Multitasking is a major detriment to excellent time management. Of course, there are instances when you must juggle many tasks at once, but in general, strong time management skills need the mental ability to focus on one task and complete it.
Goal setting – The more you know where you want to go, the better you can describe your approach and the actions that must be completed to attain the stated goals. In other words, your most significant duties are always inextricably linked to your life and business objectives. There is absolutely no need for time management if you do not have defined goals in your life.
Getting in the flow – “Flow” is one of the most productive states of mind. You let go of everything and focus just on creating and delivering. To enter into the flow, you must work in peace on a difficult activity while being empowered by intrinsic drive.
Organizing things, including making lists and taking notes – Organizing yourself and your environment productively is an important element of time management. This involves keeping a tidy desk, having a filing system, taking notes, creating and following checklists, and so on.
Problem-solving – Problems will constantly arise when working on your chores. Your goal is not to linger on these issues, but to address and resolve them in the most effective manner possible. Never squander your time.
Punctuality – You are late if you are not on time. You can’t be competent at time management if you’re constantly late. Being late is typically an indication that you lack control over your time. A cluttered desk, for example, can be such an indicator.
Rest (recovery time) – You can only be really productive if you take adequate breaks. This involves getting adequate sleep, taking at least one day off every week, taking frequent vacations, and not overburdening yourself with work. Otherwise, your productivity will begin to plummet. Finding a happy medium between work, pleasure, and leisure is an essential element of time management.
Establishing deadlines / Avoiding perfectionism – It can take an eternity to accomplish a task if you don’t have clear deadlines and estimates of how long you’ll spend on it. Overdoing things is an important aspect of time management. If you are a perfectionist, you may spend more time than necessary on projects, going above and beyond. Setting explicit deadlines and restrictions is the best way to deal with such self-torture.
Read more about time management skills on SPICA
