Time Management Tips for Professionals That Really Work
Time Management Tips for Professionals That Really Work
Do you run out of time each day before you finish your to-do list? Are you exhausted and feel as if you never have time for what really matters? If so, you may be more than a busy professional. You may be a busy professional in need of time management skills.
Managing time effectively can help you get more done at the office and have more time at home with your family. There are many tips and tools online for time management for professionals. Below are our favorite tips for time management for busy professionals.
10 Tips for Better Time Management
- Get a Good Night’s Sleep
It is tempting to work late and get up early, but doing so will only cause you to be less productive. The average adult needs between seven to eight hours sleep per night on a regular schedule. When you are well-rested, your focus improves, and you are able to get more accomplished.
- Eat Healthy and Exercise
Your diet and exercise routine have a significant impact on your professional life. Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise helps you maintain your health, which allows you to lose less time from work because of doctor’s appointments or illness.
- Use Time Management Tools Effectively
There are hundreds of time management apps and tools available for every smart device and computer. However, not all time management tools work for each person. You need to find the tool that works best for you and that works on each of your smart devices.
- Give Up Trying to Multitask
There was a time when multitasking was a skill that many hiring professionals valued in a candidate. However, research shows that people are not as good at multitasking as they think. Instead, focus on the task in front of you, finish it, and move to the next task.
- Create a Plan the Night Before
Taking on the day without a plan means wasted time. Each day before leaving the office, take several minutes to make a plan for the next day. Organize your desk, update your to-do list, and notate the top three urgent matters that need your attention first thing in the morning.
- Learn to Delegate
Whether you delegate to others in your office or you outsource, learning how to manage others can give your productivity level a huge boost. It can be difficult to let others do the work and only supervise, but outsourcing and delegating are huge timesavers that allow you to focus on more important tasks.
- Schedule Buffers Throughout the Day
Don’t schedule every minute of your day. Meetings run long, clients are late, and people are held up in traffic. Scheduling back-to-back meetings will likely result in running late at some point during the day. Instead, schedule buffer time between meetings or tasks several times throughout the day. If you are not running late, use the buffer time to recharge and refocus. Ten to fifteen minutes of downtime can be extremely helpful in eliminating stress that can distract you from the task at hand.
- Learn to Say “No”
Learning to say “no” is almost as difficult as learning to delegate, especially if you are the go-to person for everyone in your office. You are one person, and you cannot handle everything. If you have a full schedule, offer a suggestion but do not offer to take on the task.
- Limit Time Spent on Emails
Many professionals spend more time reading and responding to emails than they may realize. Unless you receive urgent emails that must receive an immediate response on a routine basis, turn off the automatic notification for emails. Schedule time each day to read and respond to emails instead of stopping each time your email notification rings.
- Set Goals
Setting goals is beneficial in many areas of life, including your work life. When you set goals, you automatically prioritize certain tasks. Setting goals also helps you visualize the steps that you need to take to reach those goals.
Contact a Coral Springs Business Law Attorney
Matthew Fornaro works with individuals, companies, and businesses throughout Broward County on all matters related to business law. To request a consultation, call 954-324-3651 or contact us online.
