Important Strategies for Time Management

Image Information: An object on fire, containing the word "time."

Link: Pexels

The above image creatively displays the problem of time and the necessity of time management.  Time is perhaps our most valuable resource, and once it is gone, it cannot be retrieved. Thus, people are always researching and exploring new methods for how to best use the time that we are allotted. I would like to briefly address several interesting articles on this topic, as well as some of my own personal methods for time management!


The Important Habit of Just Starting

Among other time management and productivity strategies, this article discusses why simply starting is a huge step in managing time. When many people find themselves in a "must finish" mode, the pure amount of work causes a reverse psychological effect. Instead of starting, people find themselves intimidated and unable to find a starting point. In stark contrast, setting the mind in a "just start" mode alleviates stress and allows for the completion of smaller tasks geared toward a larger goal. Even the simple task of "Write for thirty minutes on Wednesday" provides clarity and an achievable goal, as opposed to "Write research paper on Wednesday." Starting is one of the most difficult but also most important tasks.


3 Steps to Recapture Time

As explained in the title, this article examines three simple strategies for improving the amount of available time. The first strategy involves protecting the first fifteen minutes of the day. As this is a time of day when our minds are often most free from the stresses of the day, it should be valued and protected as a time to gather thoughts and plan our immediate schedules. The second strategy involves recognizing pruning, which refers to the removal of "clutter" that prevents productivity and growth. This clutter can be physical items, creating disorder on a desk, or even emotional components, involving complicated relationships or failing work projects. Consistently checking and clearing these areas increases productivity. The third strategy involves being able to say no. People often overcommit their time and then complain of hectic schedules. This can be avoided through the practice of saying no to things that do not align with priorities.


In terms of my own personal productivity and time management, I have always found that pre-planning is an excellent strategy. Sitting down at the beginning of the week and at the beginning of each day allows me to prioritize activities and goals for the designated time period. It also allows me to allot specific amounts of time to things that require my attention during that day or week. By planning ahead of time, I simply need to follow the schedule that has been created. This eliminates a lot of time management concern that occurs with a lack of consistent scheduling!