If you’re struggling with time management, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In fact, according to a recent survey, 42% of Americans say they need help to manage their time better. What are some skills for managing time better?
Good time management includes a number of skills that, when mastered, will help you better manage your own schedule. Some of the most important time management skills include organization, prioritization, goal-setting, communication, planning, delegation, and stress management.
Developing each of these skill sets will allow you to better organize yourself, whether you’re on the job, looking for one, or trying to develop a new skill.
Let’s dive in and discuss what are some skills for managing time so you can make the most of every day.
Table of Contents
What Are Some Skills for Managing Time Efficiently?
It’s important to set goals for yourself, both professionally and personally. But it’s not enough to just have goals – you need to have a plan for achieving them.
There are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to goal setting and time management.
First, be realistic about what you can achieve in the time frame you have. It’s important to set goals that challenge you, but if they’re too ambitious you’ll just end up feeling frustrated.
Second, break your goals down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Once you have a plan for how you’re going to achieve your goal, it will be much easier to stay on track.
Finally, don’t forget to factor in time for yourself. It’s important to set aside time each day or week to relax and recharge, otherwise, you’ll quickly burn out.
Set a Schedule
We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but why does it seem like some people can get so much more done?
The answer is time management.
What are some skills for managing time more effectively?
If you feel like you’re always running behind and can never get everything done, it’s time to set a schedule.
Creating a schedule may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple.
Start by listing out everything you need to do in a day. Then, estimate how long each task will take.
Once you have a list of tasks and time estimates, you can start creating your schedule.
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If you find that you don’t have enough time in the day to get everything done, there are a few things you can do.
First, try to wake up a little earlier. Even just 30 minutes can make a big difference.
Secondly, take a look at your list of tasks and see if there are any that can be removed or delegated to someone else.
Finally, try to eliminate any distractions that might be taking up your time.
By following these tips, you can start to get a handle on your time and become a more productive person.
Learn to Say “No”
If you’re like most people, you probably have a hard time saying “no” to others. Whether it’s a friend asking you to go out when you’re already exhausted, or a work request that will take up too much of your time, it’s tough to turn people down.
But learning to say “no” is an important skill, especially if you want to manage your time effectively.
Here are some tips for how to say “no” in a way that feels good for both you and the other person.
1. Be Clear and Direct
When you’re saying “no,” it’s important to be clear and direct. This means using phrases like, “I’m sorry, but I can’t do that” or “I don’t have time for that.”
2. Don’t Make Excuses
It’s tempting to try to explain yourself when you’re saying “no,” but this can often just make the situation worse. Instead of making excuses, just stick to a simple “no”.
3. Be Assertive
Saying “no” can be hard, but it’s important to be assertive when you do it. This doesn’t mean being rude or aggressive, but it does mean speaking confidently and standing up for yourself.
4. Offer an Alternative
If you’re saying “no” to something, it’s often helpful to offer an alternative. For example, if you can’t go to a friend’s party, you could suggest getting together for coffee instead.
5. Be Firm
Once you’ve said “no,” it’s important to be firm about it. This means not changing your mind or giving in to pressure.
Learning to say “no” is an important skill for anyone who wants to manage their time effectively. By being clear, direct, and assertive, you can politely turn down requests that would otherwise take up too much of your time.
Delegate and Outsource
You’re constantly running from one thing to the next, and it feels like there’s just not enough time to get everything done.
Sound familiar?
One of the best ways to manage your time is to learn to delegate and outsource. Delegating means giving tasks to others to handle, while outsourcing means hiring someone to do a task for you.
Both of these strategies can save you a lot of time and energy. But they’re not always easy to do.
What are some skills for managing time through delegation?
- Make a list of all the tasks you need to do.
- For each task, decide if it’s something you can delegate or outsource.
- If you can delegate, find someone who can help you with the task.
- If you need to outsource, find a reputable company or freelancer who can do the job for you.
- Give clear instructions and deadlines for the task.
- Follow up to make sure the task is done to your satisfaction.
Delegating and outsourcing can be a great way to save time and get more done. But it’s important to do it carefully.
Make sure you choose the right person for the job and give clear instructions. With a little practice, you’ll be a delegation and outsourcing pro in no time!
Take Breaks
We all know the feeling of having too much to do and not enough time to do it. It can be overwhelming and frustrating, especially when it feels like we’re constantly running behind.
One of the best ways to combat this feeling is to take breaks.
Yes, you read that correctly. Breaks are not a waste of time, but can actually help you be more productive overall.
When we take breaks, we allow our minds and bodies to rest, which can help us refocus and be more productive when we return to our work.
Of course, the key is to use your break time wisely.
Here are some tips for making the most of your time off.
- Get up and move: Take a walk, do some stretches, or just get out of your chair and move around. This will help you get your blood flowing and can help to re-energize you.
- Take a mental break: Step away from your desk and allow your mind to take a break as well. Maybe read a book, listen to music, or chat with a friend.
- Avoid distractions: It’s important to be intentional with your break time and avoid any distractions that will just end up eating into your work time. So, put away your phone, step away from social media, and focus on taking a true break.
- Set a time limit: It can be easy to get carried away with your break time and before you know it, you’ve wasted an hour. To avoid this, set a timer for your break and stick to it.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, remember to take breaks. With a little planning, you can use your break time to help you recharge and be more productive overall.
Conclusion
By following these five tips on what are some skills for managing time, you can improve your time management skills and make the most of every day.
By taking the time to define your goals, set a schedule, learn to say “no”, delegate and outsource tasks, and take breaks when needed, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more efficient and productive manager or leader.
If you’re looking to improve your management and leadership skills, Promotable.org is the perfect place for you! We offer a variety of resources that can help you learn new techniques and strategies to become a more effective leader. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or are an experienced manager, we have something for everyone.
So what are you waiting for? Check us out today and see how we can help you take your career to the next level!