( edited by Divya Jain )
I have no time left?
We have all said this at least once in our life. We get so engaged in our work or procrastinate too much that we lose track of time. The time could have been used for a much better purpose.
Whether it be a task that needed to be done,
a meeting with someone, or
some free time for yourself.
All of them are now on hold because you didn’t keep a track of time. Now the question arises, how do we keep a track of time? The answer is time management.
“The lost time is never found again.”- Benjamin Franklin.
Time is always running, and it waits for none. This makes time - a valuable asset. There are people who complain that they have got no time but they don’t realize that everyone gets the same 24 hours, and it is up to them how they utilize it. The problem is how do you manage time?
Here are some hacks on how you can manage your time properly:
Define your goals - Before you even start, you need to define your goals. You need to know what you are going to do today, what task requires more work and time, and which task can be done easily. For example- if you have made an appointment with a dentist and you also have office work. Contact your office and tell them about the appointment beforehand. Or you can schedule the appointment on a day that you are free. So that you have a clear picture of what you are going to do today and there is no clash of timings in your work.
Make a to-do list - One of the most efficient ways of organizing your time is by making a timetable or a to-do list. Just think about it, wouldn’t it be wonderful when you know what you have to do next and how much time you need to give to the task. You won’t be able to follow the timetable perfectly, but this would still help you develop a habit of organizing your tasks. And slowly but steadily, you can adapt to the new system.
Try to prioritize tasks - Remember that every task has a different weightage and importance. Some tasks are more important than others carrying with them the burden of responsibilities, deadlines, or promises and require more time and effort. In your list, more priority should be given to important tasks. For example, if you have an important assignment to submit, your priority should be to complete the assignment on time over other minor tasks.
Take breaks - ‘All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.’ You need to take breaks between your work. If you just work, you won’t be able to perform with the required efficiency. Taking a break from work would help you in recuperating your energy. The breaks can include snack time, power naps, or any other leisure activity you want to do.
Try to cut down tasks - One mistake people do while making a list is adding too many tasks. Twenty-four hours is a lot, but you also need a good night's sleep, time for eating, and other necessities. Too many tasks that you won’t be able to complete will only leave you dissatisfied. So, try to cut down on tasks and give proper time to other ones.
Make changes to the list - You made a timetable or a to-do list. You tried to follow them for a few days. Now, analyze how your time went and the difference between now and earlier. Think of ways you can improve your list. Have you added too many tasks or were you left exhausted at the end of the day? If there are so me problems, refine the list and go on.
Plan ahead - Make a list of what you want to do tomorrow before sleeping. Planning will help you organize your task better. You have already analyzed and know what your capability is and what you need to change. Now, all that is left is to make an improved version of the list or the timetable and follow it.
Once gone, time will never come back. It waits for no one and you are no exception. If you don’t change yourself, in the future, you will regret the time that you wasted today. Know the importance of time. If you don’t, then in the future you would be one of those people who say,” If only I had more time, If only I…”.
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