27 Essential Time Management Skills That Will Improve Your Life
Updated: Nov 17, 2022
1. Less, but better
When you focus on doing fewer things, but doing them better, you'll be more productive.
- Simplify your tasks.
- Get rid of distractions.
- Take breaks.
2. Measure twice, cut once
By taking the time to measure twice, you'll avoid making mistakes and wasting time.
Take the time to plan and prepare before you do tasks.
3. Don't try to be perfect
Trying to be perfect is counterproductive.
It leads to frustration and a feeling of never being good enough.
Remember you're doing your best and that's good enough.
Aim for progress instead of perfection.
4. Let other people know your timetable
They can plan around your availability and help you stay on track.
Let key people know what you're working on and when you expect to finish.
5. Trade-offs
You can't have everything.
When it comes to time, this means being willing to give up some things to focus on others.
Decide where you want to focus your time.
Remember there is no right or wrong answer.
Stop believing you can fit everything in.
Every yes has a hidden no.
6. Avoid sunk cost fallacy
The sunk cost fallacy is a cognitive bias.
You keep investing in something because of how much you've already invested in it.
Even if it's no longer the best option.
- Be aware of the bias
- Look at where you're spending your time and effort
- Don't be afraid to quit things
- Let go of the past.
7. Be easy on yourself
Improving time management is a marathon, not a sprint.
Being easy on yourself will help you improve long-term.
Don't expect perfection from yourself.
Forgive yourself for any mistakes you make.
8. Seek to reduce time wasters
Reducing time wasters helps you focus on the important things and reach your goals.
Identify time wasters and set boundaries - both tasks and people.
9. Have an adaptable mindset
When we're able to adapt, we're able to make the most of whatever situation we find ourselves in.
Approach time management with an adaptable mindset, rather than a fixed mindset.
10. Avoid time management hacks
Hacks are shortcuts that often don't work or that create more problems than they solve.
Avoid using time management hacks, you'll be better off.
Do you struggle with time management?
Download my Masterclass:
27 Essential Time Management Skills That Will Improve Your Life
Click Here to download the masterclass and start watching it immediately (even if it's 2am in the morning!)
11. Be a team player
When you focus too much on your individual time management in a team context, you put your needs ahead of the team's.
Be a team player first and improve your time management second.
12. Be content
When you focus on being content, you're less likely to get caught up in the stresses of time management.
Work on your time management from a place of contentment.
13. Be efficient and get things right
When you're efficient, you're able to get things right.
There's a great military saying, "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast."
14. Be focused
If you're not focused, you'll get sidetracked and waste time.
Set goals, break them down into smaller tasks and cut distractions.
15. Don’t misuse time
When you misuse time, you're not getting the most out of it.
- Don't procrastinate.
- Don't multitask.
- Ignore unimportant tasks.
- Get rid of distractions.
16. Embrace accountability
Accountability will motivate you to improve your time management skills.
Find a mentor or a coach who can help you stay accountable and on track.
17. Everyone has the same time
There's no need to feel overwhelmed by time management, everyone has the same amount of time.
Be mindful of how you're using your time and make the most of every day.
18. Experiment
Experimenting is a great way to improve your time management skills.
Try out different techniques and find what works best for you.
19. Factor in the unexpected
Unexpected events can throw off your entire day, so it's important to have a plan B ready to go.
- Have a backup task list.
- Prepare to work overtime.
- Be flexible.
- Be adaptable.
20. Find inspiration
Working on your time management is easier when you're motivated.
Find what motivates you.
For me, it's learning new things through books, podcasts, and YouTube videos.
What inspires you?
21. Freedom
When you're organized and efficient, you have more time to do the things you want.
Imagine the future: you're working less.
You have more time to spend with family and friends.
You have time and resources to pursue your passions.
Can you see it?
22. Get organized
"I'm not an organized person," is an excuse, not a reason.
Everyone can become more organized.
Stop telling yourself you're not organized.
Focus on getting 1% better at organizing yourself every day.
23. Have a great time—no matter what
This peace of mind is invaluable and allows you to love your life.
Focus on having a great time, no matter what life throws your way.
24. Maintain motivation
It takes a lot of effort and dedication to be successful.
Maintain motivation by setting goals and deadlines and staying organized.
25. Make the most of waiting times
Waiting times can be frustrating, but they can also give you an advantage.
- Make a list of things to do.
- Catch up on reading or listening to podcasts.
- Enjoy some peace and quiet.
- Exercise.
- Meditate or practice mindfulness.
26. Purpose
By having a clear purpose, you'll be more motivated to improve your time management.
Know why you're doing something and what you hope to achieve.
Read Start With Why by Simon Sinek.
27. Say Yes
Saying yes allows you to learn new things and grow as a person.
Be strategic about what tasks and challenges you say yes to.
Every yes has a no.
But great time management isn't about saying, "No!" to everything.
It's about saying, "Yes!" to the right things.
Do you struggle with time management?
Download my Masterclass:
27 Essential Time Management Skills That Will Improve Your Life
Click Here to download the masterclass and start watching it immediately (even if it's 2am in the morning!)
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