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Have you heard of the Pomodoro technique? It’s a popular time-management technique developed by Italian Franceso Cirillo that is used by people all over the world.
In 1980, Cirillo, who was a student then, developed the Pomodoro technique because he wasn’t able to focus on his studies and manage his time properly. Feeling overwhelmed, he made a work schedule using a kitchen timer that was shaped like a tomato (Pomodoro in Italian). The Pomodoro technique was born.
Like Cirillo, we can build effective methods to manage our time. Let’s look at some of the best time management tips that can be instrumental to our personal and professional growth.
What Is Time Management?
Time management refers to the strategy of planning by controlling how much time you spend on specific activities so that you can complete multiple tasks. It helps you use your time productively and efficiently. People who find constructive ways to manage their time are good at prioritizing important tasks.
Here are some other advantages of time management:
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Improves your performance:
When you divide your time, you divide your attention across different tasks. You focus on tasks that need immediate attention and you also meet personal expectations.
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Produces better work
When you don’t rush to meet your deadline, you can put more thought into your work.
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Helps You Plan Ahead
Embracing different time management tips can help you set long-term goals and make plans for career advancement.
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Boosts Confidence
Being able to finish the items on your to-do list on time is a huge motivator for productivity as well as self-esteem.
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Improved Career Opportunities
Punctuality and other time management skills improve your professional reputation and help you advance in your career.
Tips For Effective Time Management
Being conscious of time can help you track your progress and performance. Work towards self-improvement by referring to this list of the most effective time management tips.
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Create A Daily Plan
It may seem like an overwhelming activity to plan every day, but having a rough idea about how your day should unfold is good. This way, you won’t be caught off guard and can spend your day the way you’d hoped to.
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Use A Calendar/Organizer
Have a calendar or organizer to manage your daily activities to be on top of everything. You can organize information, note down important dates, expand your to-do list and include other miscellaneous items that need your attention.
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Avoid Perfection
Implementing time management tips in your life can push you to over-analyze everything you do. Don’t beat yourself up when things go haywire. Once you’ve finished a task, move on if you feel like you’ve given it your best. Effective time management requires you to have the right attitude.
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Learn To Say ‘No’
The idiom ‘don’t bite off more than you can chew’ is a reminder that you shouldn’t take on more than you can handle. If you feel that you have too much on your plate, adjust your timelines. Moreover, if distractions interrupt your progress, try to avoid them.
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Timebox Your Activities
Timeboxing is one of the simplest yet effective time management tips for boosting productivity. The idea is to allocate a certain amount of time to an activity and complete it within that time frame. Decide how long you want to invest in a particular task or project.
Time Management Tips For Professionals
You would be expected to meet your deadlines and be punctual at the workplace. There are many time management tips for work that can lead to improved efficiency, less stress and a more successful professional life. Here are some powerful time management tips for work.
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Set Goals Correctly
Make sure that your personal goals align with the larger objectives of the organization. This way you will be able to plan targets that are achievable and measurable.
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Organize Yourself
One of the most essential time management tips is to schedule your deadlines for tasks and projects. Utilize your calendars to create work schedules. Think about ways to divide your time among different projects.
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Avoid Multitasking
It’s best to devote your time fully to one task at a time. When you multitask, your concentration is split among various things and you are likely to underperform.
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Batch Similar Tasks Together
When you have similar or related work, you can club them together. This way you’ll save time because you will apply similar thought processes to a set of activities. For example, answer your text messages and emails at the same time.
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Take Necessary Breaks
Among all the time management tips, this one is the most important. Remind yourself to take healthy breaks to stay focused and motivated. Give yourself some free time between tasks as it will help refresh your mind.
Harappa Education’s Practicing Excellence course will teach you how to be your most productive self at work. The Eisenhower Matrix will help you understand how to prioritize tasks depending on their urgency and importance. Additionally, the Pomodoro Technique will teach you how to avoid procrastination and focus on the task at hand. You’ll become a master of time management and go beyond your call of duty.
Explore topics such as Time Management, the Importance of Time Management & Timeboxing from our Harappa Diaries section and manage time effectively.
