Time Management
We all get the same 24 hours – so why do some people seem to achieve so much more with their time than others?
The answer is they understand their "what, when, how and who!”
Time management is the process of organising and planning how to spend your time between different tasks and activities.
Get it right, and you will get more done in less time and be calmer and less stressed, leaving you more time to do what you love with those you love.
Get it wrong and you will likely feel anxious and stressed.
Good time management is therefore a critical life skill to help support a healthy mind and a healthy body. It is especially important for creatives, to allow time to access flow state and create their best work while maintaining good mental health.
So, what are the 4 critical steps you need to consider in order to master your time management, live a balanced life and achieve your potential.
STEP 1 : WHAT
Clarity
In all things, clarity is key. Clarity of intention, an awareness of your desired outcome and how it will feel when you achieve it. Stated in positive terms.
Some questions to ask yourself to uncover this clarity
What does a successful hour, day, week look like?
How will you feel when you have achieved your desired outcome?
What will change for the better when you achieve your desired outcome?
Clarity needs to be coupled with honesty and integrity. Be honest with yourself and try to step aside from the “other” voices that tell you what you “should” be doing or aiming to achieve, and be true to yourself.
Living someone else’s life is exhausting!
Useful Hacks if you feel stuck
Reconnect with your inner child – pick up the pencil/brush/clay and just start playing
Set goals if that's your thing – set a deadline – real or imagined
Be your own best friend (Love yourself) – what would you tell someone you care about deeply in your situation
And in all things remain as optimistic and positive as you can, whilst being kind and generous to yourself.
If today doesn't work out as you intended that's ok – just be grateful for the day and move on to the next with hope and optimism.
STEP 2 : WHEN
Priorities
What is urgent – and must be done immediately
What is not urgent and can wait until later
What can be ditched altogether
Useful Hack to gain deeper understanding
Keep a time log for 1 week to understand how you actually spend your time. The data you gather in this exercise will help inform step 3.
STEP 3 : HOW
Focus
Greater focus allows you to spend more time on the projects, goals, and people that matter. When you understand your what and when, you increase focus and take control of your day/life.
The next natural step is to establish the HOW
What are the steps you need to take now?
What don’t you need to do?
How can you support yourself in achieving better focus
Establish a regular practice of meditation
Establish a daily practice of gratitude and intention setting
Create a supportive Mantra, for example:
‘I’m OK, I can do this’ or ‘I have done it before so I know I can do it now.’
It is always the small things we do every day
that effect the biggest changes
Useful Hacks
Batch similar tasks together to reduce your mental load
Set time limits on tasks
Tackle the hardest/most complex/most important task first – eat the frog! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W7GB5Fh2XM
Avoid multi-tasking
Time blocking. Block your tasks into time blocks – hourly or daily… whatever works best for you.
Try out the Pomodoro technique: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique
To minimise distraction, employ the 6-12-6 rule for checking emails/socials – 20 minutes at each time break – 6am – 12 noon – 6pm
Sleep Hygiene – employ a regular sleep schedule https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene
STEP 4 : WHO / WHAT
Help
Do you need help? – ask for help if you need it.
Useful tools/systems to help you manage your time
Lists/Trello/todoist/slack
Notebook/Evernote
Calendar/Calendly
Personal data management (emails/addresses/tel. numbers etc) spreadsheet/Mailchimp/Sensorpro/Mailerlite
Filing/Dropbox
Spreadsheet/xero
And finally…
