Are you looking for time management tips that actually work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We all know intuitively that we must manage our time rather than letting time manage us, as they say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, for many of us, it\u2019s sure harder than it sounds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we\u2019ll first explain what time management means, including some academic studies to show you its importance and the correlation between managing time and productivity, happiness, and good grades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But don\u2019t stop there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just after that, we\u2019ll give you our list of the best time management tips and actionable advice so you can learn how to manage your time effectively!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWhat is Time Management? Is It Really That<\/em> Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Time management<\/strong> is defined as the process of consciously planning and controlling the amount of time spent on particular tasks and activities, specifically with the goal in mind to maximize efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Managing time effectively is crucial to everyone, young and old, across all professions and fields of study, as well as in our day-to-day lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For students, time planning was found in a study<\/a> to be the \u201cmost significant correlated predictor\u201d towards overall academic achievement. Another study found<\/a> that \u201cstudents\u2019 perceived control of time\u201d had the greatest correlation with their GPA<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For professionals, it\u2019s just as important. One study found<\/a> that teachers and educators who improve their time management skills \u201cincrease job satisfaction and motivation and make their professional and personal lives more meaningful.\u201d Another study states<\/a> that company managers and executives require proper time management as one of the cornerstones of effective leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, for the rest of us, proper time management and organization can simply, but significantly, improve<\/a> our everyday lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best Time Management Tips to Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are you ready to work smarter, not harder?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then let\u2019s begin!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are the best time management tips and tricks to know:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Set Realistic Goals That Benefit Each Other<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
According to the article<\/a> \u201cTime Management: A Realistic Approach,\u201d by Valerie P. Jackson, M.D. of the Indiana University School of Medicine, one of the key steps to successful time management is setting realistic goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Invest in a Proper To-Do List<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of the best ways to get started in figuring out how to manage time effectively is to invest in a proper to-do list. As we\u2019re well into the 21st century, I suggest going for a digital task list, such as a mobile app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My personal favorite is Todoist<\/a>, which is free (but has a premium version which is amazing!). On Todoist, you can group tasks into projects, add subtasks, set priorities, share your lists with friends and family, set due dates, include comments, and so much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Use the Pareto Analysis to Prioritize Tasks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80\/20 rule, is the theory that about 80% of effects result from just 20% of causes, and vice versa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Pareto Analysis attempts to classify which of your actions are on the 80\/20 side, so to speak, and which are on the 20\/80 side. Once you understand which activities and tasks are easy but have high impact, you can be more productive<\/a> and better manage your time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Avoid Being a Perfectionist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Valerie P. Jackson, M.D. had this to say about the problem with perfectionism towards healthy time management: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf we insist on being perfect in every task, we minimize the chance that we will actually complete the task. In fact, perfect is the enemy of good. If 80% of the effort produces 95% of the product, does it really make sense to reach for that final 5%? Will anyone notice? Will it affect the outcome?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Psychology Today<\/a>, \u201cBecause they equate their self-worth with flawless performance, perfectionists often get hung up on meaningless details and spend more time on projects than is necessary. Ultimately, productivity suffers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\t