Time management is something I learnt through experience because no one really teaches you that. I learnt them through working in different environment and realising that I need to use my time more wisely. Timetables are useful to plan schedules, so my calendar is always full of things I have to do. There’s more time management secrets that are useful in having a productive day.
1. Check your emails while Commuting
Do you have so many email accounts that are killing you? I usually allocate 1-2 hours a week to handle some administrative emails, another 30min everyday to check my emails and some other random times to do it. I realise it becomes very inefficient and a huge waste of time. I soon learn to do all my work while commuting. I take an hour to commute daily and during this hour, I read and reply my emails, talk to people I have to talk to and settle some minor but important issues.
2. Know What You Have To Do
Every morning, take 5min to meditate and clear your mind. Then fill it with a mental todo list or schedule. It helps you to remind yourself the focus of the day. It also helps you to bear in mind the things you need to do. Of course, you want to have all these written down in your notebook or electronically to keep up with it. But a clear view in the morning goes a long way.
3. Ta-Da List
I’m changing “to do” list to “TA DA” list. Because every time you finish something, you strike it off and go TA DAAAAA DONE! It’s quite a motivating thing and helps. Ta da lists help you to be align to your goals and what you have do accomplish.
4. Rank Your Ta Da List
Rank them according to A to Es. A means the most important and you HAVE to accomplish them. E is nice to do, but not impactful towards your productivity in today’s events. Everyone always has very cluttered Ta Da lists and it becomes so messy that you go “uh so what first?”. This helps you to focus on what you need to focus on!
5. ONE AT A TIME
I cannot emphasise how important this is. Do one thing at a time. DO NOT multitask. One job at a time. One paper at a time. One article at a time. One project at a time. One subject at a time. Be good at it and then move on! Multitasking only distracts your focus.
Love,
L