Definition of Time Management

Time management is the process of organizing time to increase productivity. It is also the act controlling the amount of time spent on certain activities. Individuals can use several tools and strategies to manage time, including planning, scheduling, goal setting, delegation, monitoring and prioritizing. A time management system is a custom combination of time management tools and strategies. Originally, time management was popular in the corporate world, but it rapidly gained traction with other professionals, workers, students and even home makers. Practically anyone who has goals can benefit from time management, but it is crucial for people who run their own business or work independently outside of the office. There are several approaches to time management, but recurring themes form the foundation of these approaches. Major themes include creating an environment that lets you work effectively, setting priorities, performing priority activities and reducing time spent on non-priority activities.

Time Management StrategiesEffective time management means getting more done every day and minimizing stress, which can also improve your quality of life. While excessive inability to manage time effectively may be caused by Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), many people just don’t have the natural organizational skills. Fortunately, this can be corrected. The key is to take it slowly, select one simple strategy that you find helpful for your situation and try it out for one week or a month. If the strategy helps, add another strategy. If it doesn’t, try another strategy and so until you have developed a habit.

DelegateBeing in control does not mean you have to do absolutely everything. Look at your to-do list and figure out what you can pass on to other people. For example, write my dissertation for me service can help you witj all kinds of paper work. There’s always something. Maybe it’s as simple as having someone else pick up the dry cleaning after work.

TimeboxingTimeboxing is the allocation of a fixed period of time to any activity. For example, if you need to finish sewing a dress over the weekend, allot fixed time boxes to the entire activity. You can start by gathering notions and sewing materials, tidying up your workspace, oiling the sewing machine, etc. Set a fixed amount of time for each activity; say ten minutes. Set an alarm for ten minutes and start gathering materials. When the alarm goes off, stop whatever you’re doing. You’ve just "timeboxed" the first part of your sewing project.

Daily planningPlanning your day before it starts helps you feel in control, like you’re the one in charge of work and not the other way around. Planning can be as simple as writing a to-do list and prioritizing tasks. The urgent and important tasks come first, followed by important but not urgent tasks. The unimportant and not urgent tasks come last. If you work at home, post your schedule where you can see it and keep a calendar near you.

Learn to say noPeer pressure is hard to resist, even if it’s just co-workers or your boss urging you eat out, chat or take on extra work when you’re on a tight deadline. Think of your goals and put them first before anything else.

Keep an activity diaryAn activity diary or time log is like a spending diary, but instead of keeping track of money, you take note of all of your activities for two to three days and budget your time. "All" means everything, including internet browsing, filing your nails, going to the bathroom, etc. If you are like many people, you’d be surprised at how much time you spend on the non-essentials and how little you spend on the priority tasks. Cut back on the "time-wasters" or schedule them at a later time. Minimize distractionsYou’re setting yourself for failure if your work area is surrounded by distractions, be it screaming toddlers, ringing telephones or the internet. It helps if you have a work station with a door that you can close and an internet connection that you can unplug. Try to minimize distractions at all cost.

Time management classesTalk to your boss or HR to see if you can take an office-sponsored time management class. If none exists, go to your local community college or university to find out what they offer.

Justin Busher is from New York. He studies at New York University and works as freelance writer. His areas of interests are photography and sci-fi literature. He likes spending free time with his sister playing table games.