Recent research into how most people use their time has lead to some disturbing discoveries. Approximately 30% of working adults in the US said they were worried about work pressure and didn’t have enough time to tackle all of their tasks.
30% may not seem like a significant figure, so think about it this way—there are 129 million employed adults in the US.
That means that 38 million people feel that they don’t have enough time in the day to complete all of their work tasks. That’s a lot of people. So, what’s the root cause of this widespread issue?
Ineffective time management.
What is Time Management?
“Time management” encompasses organizing and planning your work activities and tasks in the most efficient and productive manner possible. It’s a simple concept to understand, but difficult to put into consistent practice.
This is primarily because time management requires an upfront investment of your time and mental effort to prioritize and organize your daily tasks. You’ll find that this investment is worth it. Your business will be better equipped to:
Deliver Work Punctually
Getting into the habit of setting aside a strict amount of time for each task will keep you on track with your deadlines. Managing your time and prioritizing necessary tasks allows you to get projects done on time.
Improve Work Quality
Being organized results in overall higher quality of work. When you force yourself to focus on only one task and give yourself a reasonable deadline, you’ll find that forgotten items and missed details are a thing of the past.
Boost Efficiency
When you manage your time effectively, you’re better able to identify the limits on your productivity and you can schedule your most important tasks for the times you’re going to do your best work.
Reduce Workplace Stress and Anxiety
Without proper time management, it can be easy to find yourself overwhelmed by the tasks on your plate. Once you have control over your time, you no longer subject yourself to the stress of missed deadlines and rushed tasks.
Time Management Solutions
Method 1: Getting Things Done
“GTD” is the best method for wrangling all the projects and tasks in your head into an organizing system, which is updated weekly. The system enables you to efficiently identify the next step to keep all your projects moving forward in a timely manner.
How to start: Do a weekly “mind sweep” by writing down everything you need to do, want to do, or dream of doing.
Method 2: The Pomodoro Technique
This method involves completing tasks in 25-minute increments, with the help of a timer.
How to start: Begin each day with a log of things to do (make sure to prioritize important tasks first), then tackle each one in 25-
minute intervals called “Pomodoros.”
When that interval is over, mark an X on the log next to the item, and then take a three to five-minute break (or longer, if you find you work more productively that way).
More time management techniques
Apply these time management techniques to work more efficiently, reduce stress and anxiety in the workplace, and deliver high-quality work on time.
