Time Management

Most of us could have wished at some point of time that there should be more hours in a day. But there are certain wishes which no one can make true. There is only a limited and fixed amount of time that everyone of us have and we all have to manage it in a manner so that we will be able to accomplish most of our work in time.

There can be many definitions of Time Management. It could be different for Managers, Students, Parents and Others.

• For students, time management could mean having enough time to participate in extra curricular activities that interests them and at the same time keeps their academic position at a desired level.
• For parents, definitions of time management may include the amount of quality time which they can spend with their kids and at the same time accomplish their routine tasks.
• For managers, time management could mean meeting all the department and office deadlines while managing resources and manpower efficiently.

So, it can be said that this is an important issue of our life and has to be handled properly to get effective results. We can accomplish what we want to if we put certain key points in our mind and follow them.

Five Keys to Time Management:

1. Plan everything:

Use a diary or a daily reminder where you can jot down all the tasks that you want to do. Planning of tasks and activities is very important for optimum utilization of time. Proper planning may also help you in knowing the problems that may arise and also determine the preparation required to accomplish the tasks.

2. Set priorities:

If you know what you have set out to do day after day is helpful in organizing your activities and your tasks. A myth that you have to disregard if you want to manage your time effectively is “everything is equally important”. Don't just rush from task to task throughout the day. Review the list of what you have to do that day and then pick out the things that you 'must do' that day.

3. Learn to say "Yes" and "No":

The failure to say "No" is the basis of an incredible amount of misunderstanding and frustration. Learn to make quick decisions and say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. When you are asked to commit to do something then instead of saying “Maybe", say simply Yes or No. A simple "No, I can’t do that" is enough. The person you are speaking to will appreciate your honesty and your disinclination to waste his time.

4. Be realistic:

Decide what roles and activities are important to you and live accordingly. Remember that there are only 24 hours in a day and you have no super powers to do all the work by yourself. At times you want to all the things by yourself because of your lack of confidence in others. Discuss the issue at hand with others and find know what others can and cannot do for you. It will help you in performing efficiently.

5. Include time off:

Many people feel that the more time they pour into their business or work, the more successful they will be. It is not true every time. The success depends on what they do, not on how much time they spend doing it.

If you want to learn snooker and you spend eight hours a day seven days a week playing Snooker but are holding the Stick wrong every time so that every ball you hit has a pronounced swing to the undesired direction, what happens to your game? It doesn't matter how much time you put into doing something if you're not doing it right.

So include time off in your schedule. And when you return to your work again, you will be more productive, refreshed and able to complete work in the limited amount of time.

Surely these time management keys will not magically provide you more hours in a day but you will be able to more effectively manage the time you have by putting these principles into action.