Procrastinators are everywhere, sitting around not doing that task or tasks that are hanging over their heads and tapping on their shoulder. If you are one of these procrastinators and want to learn how to manage your time more efficiently, here are nine tips to help you out!
1. Create a ‘to do’ list
This is helpful to keep track of what tasks you have ahead of you for the day. If you’re feeling extra organized, you put a guesstimate of how much time each task should take next to the task on your list. This step will help you micromanage your time, and is especially helpful for busier days.
2. Keep an end result in mind
Try to keep in mind or make note of your endgame. What do you want the finished result to be? Maybe you want to have a project 50% completed by the end of the day. Or 100%! Or for time management at home, maybe you would like to have the kitchen spotless by the end of the day. Having a clear goal in mind of what it is that needs to be done can help motivate you.
3. Start small
Time management skills, along with Rome, were not built overnight, so feel free to start small! If you’re writing an essay, start by typing your name and a title on your first page. Then close it, and come back later to do a little more.
4. Do the most time sensitive tasks first
If you’re already bad at managing time, it is best to tackle the more important tasks first to avoid any consequences later. Plus, once you’ve completed the task, you may have a little confidence to continue on to the next!
5. Do not multitask
People do it all the time, but it does not help you to be more productive, and will diminish the quality of your work. Trying to do more than one thing at a time will only slow you down and discourage you.
6. Take a break
Yes, you read that right. Your brain can only focus for so long, so taking a small break every 1.5 to 2 hours will help keep you focused and alert.
7. Organize, organize, organize
You can’t manage your time wisely if you can’t find anything. Get a planner to keep track of meetings and deadlines. Use folders to organize your paperwork. A cluttered space equals a cluttered mind.
8. Eliminate distractions
Silence your phone if you can. Stay off the internet. Work in a quiet place, or use noise canceling headphones. Do what works for you to get the job done.
9. Get some sleep
It is very hard to stay on task when you’re too tired to work. If you are tired, you’re more likely to procrastinate.
By: Better Me by Dr. B
Editor: Ariel Thompson
Medical Reviewer: Dr. Tiffany Bell D.O.