STOP WASTING YOUR TIME!
5 Effective Time Management Tips to
Encourage Productivity
By Christina L.
Koonts
As young adults, we are
always given advice on the best ways to approach education. I found that
the best advice came from my peers who had graduated in the years before me.
The central theme that kept coming up in conversations with them was the
importance of time management.
1. Organization - A comprehensive to-do
list is an effective tool for organization. As an employee, my to-do list is in
the form of an automated task list that is available on my work computer, cell
phone, tablet, and even the internet. At all times, I can pull up my task list
and see what major projects and deadlines are approaching. Because of
this, I am a much better planner, more efficient worker, and better at reporting my accomplishments within
any given timeframe. In addition to having an easily accessible to-do list, the
best piece of advice I can give to any student or employee striving to become
more organized is to take notes. Whether you are sitting in a classroom or in a
meeting with your boss, the act of writing information down allows you to
retain it much easier than if you are idly listening. Looking back at your
notes later will also help you to effectively update your to-do list and plan
action steps.
2. Scheduling – A clear schedule is
essential to managing your time. Figure out what time of day you are most
productive and block that time off to get the actual work done. Schedule
meetings and menial tasks outside of your productive time so that you save your
peak productivity hours for the important tasks that require the most focus and
attention.
4. Flexibility – When unforeseen
circumstances arise, and things get moved around and added at the last minute,
you cannot be so rigid in your scheduling that there is no room to rework
deadlines. If you let yourself to be completely upset by these types of
situations, then you will have a much harder time being an effective worker and
completing the task at hand.
5. Goals – Always keep in mind that there
is a reason you are doing whatever it is that you are doing, and set tangible
goals that will help you to reach your desired endpoint. If you are a student,
remember that the big picture is the degree. If you work in an office
environment, the big picture might be a promotion or an increase in
compensation. Never lose sight of what you are working towards.
Christina, written from Virginia, USA
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