Where’d the Time Go?

Tips to manage your time more efficiently.

The days go by and you wonder where the time went. You don’t do as much as you planned, so you go to bed overwhelmed, feeling behind, and thinking of all you must accomplish tomorrow. If only you could be more productive with your time!

Whether you’re at work or home, it’s so easy to lose focus and get distracted. The dishes need washing, but there’s a season finale on TV. Your boss asked for a proposal, but your desk needs organizing. The lawn really needs mowing, but playing video games is so much more fun.

Do you wish you knew how to manage your time better so you could feel good about your day? When you’re ready to really get to business, give these time management tips a try.

Think Ahead

Instead of rushing into the day without giving it much thought, make a plan. Each night or first thing in the morning, think about what you need to accomplish and plan a general schedule for the day. If you have 20 things to accomplish but only have time for 10, prioritize what’s most important. Then try to stick to the plan as close as possible, while being flexible for interruptions.

Recognize Time Wasters

Chances are, you’re wasting a lot of time each day. Every moment wasted is a loss of productivity. Scrolling through social media, surfing the web, texting, watching television, and chatting with co-workers are time zappers. To get a more accurate idea of how you waste time, use an app to track how you spend your time for a week. Once you recognize what steals your minutes and hours, take measures to cut back on those activities.

Use Tools

Smartphones may be a big source of distraction, but they can also be effective tools to help manage your time. Download an app that helps you organize your time by scheduling events, setting reminders, setting alarms, and tracking how you spend your time. Then only use those apps that empower you to maximize your time.

Set Time Limits

Have a project you need to get done? If you focus and work hard, you can accomplish it in an hour. Of course, it’s been a while since you talked with your mom or checked your Instagram. Rather letting your project take all afternoon, set a time limit. If you start at 2 o’clock, set an alarm for 3 o’clock. Block out all distraction and get to work. When the alarm goes off, take a 10-minute break to call your mom or check social media.

Stick to a Routine

It’s easier to be productive if your time is organized in a similar way each day. That helps you know what to expect and when to expect it. Any change in the routine will become a frustration, so you will begin loving your routine. Instead of wasting time trying to figure out what you should be doing, build a daily or weekly routine and stick with it.

Turn Off Distractions

Want to improve focus and concentration so you can get more done in less time? Turn off distractions. While you’re doing work, silence your phone, close your email, and put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door. If it helps, set times during the day to read and respond to emails, texts, and phone calls.

Work While Waiting

Some days you probably spend a lot of time waiting—on hold on the phone, in the school pick-up line, at the doctor’s office, or for your boss to show up to a meeting. While waiting, you can still be productive. Spend the extra time doing those little things that don’t take much thought, but still need to get done. Clean out your inbox, make a grocery list, or set an appointment. That way, those minor tasks won’t distract you when the major tasks need to get done.