We all get 24 hours per day, but some people just seem to get more done every day than others. Most of us feel that we could do with an extra hour or three per day because there is just not enough time to do everything. Don’t even start on those days where you feel that everything is happening at once and you really do not know what to do first…
Throughout the years I have learnt a few lessons about prioritising and time management which you can put into practice too.
1. Plan ahead
I once read a man who said if you give him six hours to chop down a tree, he will spend four hours sharpening his axe. That man has grasp one of the greatest truths in relation to effective time management… planning. To spend some time planning your schedule is not a waste of time, it is the only way you can make sure you get everything done. Every Sunday evening I put aside some time to look at the week ahead, to see what needs to be done when and how long it’s going to take me. Come Monday morning, I am ready to take on the week prepared for whatever may come my way.
2. Know what you are doing
Before you take on any new tasks, make a list of all the things that you are already doing. Not only at work, but also at home. How much free time do you have available now and how much of that are you willing to sacrifice to take on a new commitment?
The important thing is to learn how to work smarter and not harder. Look at your list of things to do, are there any tasks you can combine? Do you really need to go to the shop every day or would it be better to buy enough bread for the week and freeze it? Instead of waiting for your son at the school to finish his rugby practice, couldn’t you use that time to go to the gym and pick him up afterwards?
3. Evaluate everything
Prioritise all the things according to a time schedule. What are the things that you have to do now? Are all the things on your list really important? Does it enhance your work or life in general? Do you really need to be at all the meetings or be part of every committee? Re-prioritise your to-do list.
Before you take on anything new, think it through. How much time is it going to take? Do you really have to do this?
4. Learn to say no!
You are not a superhuman being and you only have 24 hours in a day like everyone else. If you will not be able to volunteer at the next school function or be on the latest church committee, say no. If a new project does not enhance the goals you are working towards, say no. You will spare yourself much heartache and frustration.
5. Ask for help
You do not have to do everything yourself. You might think that you are the only one that can do it right, but to stay on track with your own goals and to keep your sanity, delegate some of your work, be it at home or at work.
Household chores can easily be divided between you, your partner and the children. Give everybody their to-do list and stick to it.
6. If it’s not worth it, don’t do it.
You might feel you have a responsibility to be on every committee from the school board to the church council. While it is good to be involved in community activities, you cannot spread yourself too thin. Re-think your involvement and decide which of the organisations, committees and projects really means the most to you. Rather become involved in one project wholeheartedly and give it your all. If you are trying to keep too many balls in the air, sooner or later you will experience burn out and then you will not be able to do anything.
7. Take a breather every now and then
It’s important that you look after yourself first. Make sure you get enough sleep and exercise and follow a healthy diet. Make time for yourself. Sometimes you just have to schedule a time where you can just be. Where you can disconnect from the world and just enjoy some time alone. Taking a breather or even a holiday will help you to stay energised and focused.
8. Don’t over schedule your day
While planning your day is important, it’s also crucial not to have a too tight schedule. Leave some wiggling room throughout the day, because life is not always predictable. Things will happen that you didn’t plan for, don’t let that be a train smash. You have to be able to adapt your schedule on short notice.
9. Don’t sweat the small stuff
Learn how to relax, even when you are busy. Stressing and worrying will only get your more agitated. Take hold of negative thoughts and turn them into positive ones. For you to be able to be productive and effective, you need to be calm. You cannot function optimally if you are stressed out. Studies have shown that most of the things we worry about, never happen, thus making worrying a waste of time.
10.Do the difficult things first
If you have a difficult project or task at hand, don’t put it on hold. Tackle it first and get it over with. Don’t be afraid to ask for support when you are really not up to it. See everything as a challenge and go for it!
With a bit of planning and prioritising you will be able to live your life to the fullest without becoming just another statistic in the rat race.
