9 Practical Time Management Tips
Time management is a crucial skill in today’s fast-paced world. To help you master it, we’ve gathered nine top tips from professionals ranging from CEOs and Founders to Directors and Life Coaches. From applying the 2-minute rule to optimizing your best working times, let’s delve into their expert advice on effective time management.
- Apply the 2-Minute Rule
- Use Time Blocking Technique
- Schedule with Google Calendar
- Implement the Pomodoro Technique
- Delegate for Business Growth
- Tackle Difficult Tasks First
- Prioritize High-Impact Tasks
- Write Down Deadlines and Tasks
- Optimize Your Best Working Times
Apply the 2-Minute Rule
One tip I’ve found really useful for managing time is the 2-Minute Rule. It’s pretty simple. If you’ve got a task that can be done in two minutes or less, just do it right away. Don’t delay, and don’t make a note to do it later. Tackle it head-on. You’d be surprised how many things can be done in just two minutes!
Doing those small tasks right away keeps them from becoming a big, scary pile. Plus, it feels good to get things done, right? This little rule can really help make your day go smoother and keep your to-do list under control.
Irina Poddubnaia
CEO, Founder, TrackMage
Use Time Blocking Technique
When it comes to managing time effectively, I use the technique named “Time Blocking.” It is very straightforward: I divide my day into blocks of time, each dedicated to a specific task or project. For instance, I allocate dedicated time for content creation, client meetings, customer support, and even breaks.
I’ve found that this helps me stay focused and increases my productivity. Plus, by allocating set periods to tasks, I can more accurately predict my workflow and prevent overloading myself. This technique has also enabled my team to sync better with my schedule, knowing when I’m available for discussions and when I don’t want to be distracted.
Bayu Prihandito
Psychology Expert, Life Coach, Founder, Life Architekture
Schedule with Google Calendar
I’m now using Google Calendar to schedule nearly every moment of my workday. I’ve got pretty severe ADHD, and creating a game plan for the next day is the last thing I do every night before calling it a day. It’s been an absolute game-changer.
I’ve also learned that I need to book about three times longer than I think it’ll take to get anything done to account for interruptions!
Eric Singer
Executive Creative Director, Coupe Studios Music + Sound Design
Implement the Pomodoro Technique
There are so many great time management strategies. One of my favorites is using the Pomodoro Technique.
I simply set a timer for 25 minutes, focus on one task, then get a 5-minute break. Then repeat. During this time I turn off electronics and simply focus on a task at hand.
During the day with so many distractions, it’s easy to get sidetracked. That’s why having short periods of intense focus on a single task can be a huge productivity boost.
I even apply it to chores.
Gene Armstrong
Agency Founder, Web Developer, SEO Expert, Big Apple Media
Delegate for Business Growth
If you are a business leader, delegate, delegate, delegate. It’s the only way to have time to grow your business. Instead of getting lost in the details of every project, teach your employees how to do that, and do it well.
All of your time and energy have to be focused on growing the business in order to achieve that. If you feel that you can’t delegate a task to someone, you may need someone else in that role, or you may just need to choose someone else for the task. No matter the solution, you have to remove all of the small things from your plate.
Rick Berres
Owner, Honey-Doers
Tackle Difficult Tasks First
When it comes to managing time effectively, I’ve found that tackling the most difficult and unwanted task first thing in the day works wonders. By taking it head-on, I eliminate the urge to procrastinate and the anxiety that lingers. I leverage my fresh energy and mental clarity, dedicating focused effort to conquer the task.
Once I accomplish it, a sense of accomplishment and motivation fuels me for the rest of the day. Productivity soars, and I free my mind to embrace more enjoyable activities.
Sarah Politi
Founder and Managing Director, Jade & Sterling
Prioritize High-Impact Tasks
As a CEO, it’s crucial to allocate time and attention to tasks that have the most significant impact on business growth.
To do this, I start my day by identifying the key objectives that align with our strategic goals. I then prioritize tasks that directly contribute to those objectives. For example, if our goal is to launch a new service, I focus on activities such as market research, client acquisition strategies, and team alignment.
By dedicating my time to high-impact tasks, I ensure that I’m utilizing my energy and resources efficiently. This approach enables me to make substantial progress on critical initiatives and avoid getting bogged down by less impactful activities. Ultimately, it leads to increased productivity, effective time management, and tangible results for the business.
Simon Brisk, Director, Click Intelligence Ltd
Write Down Deadlines and Tasks
I can help answer this as it was (still is) the biggest issue I had.
Write down your deadlines, they need to be put in place for certain tasks. Micro and macro. Easier said than done but organized in a calendar/task manager to keep yourself accountable.
You should always write things down, the stuff you want to do. Somehow it just manifests, just look at the word “spelling”, it’s true when you spell out a word, you’re casting a spell.
Nader Jaber
Founder, FlyNumber
Optimize Your Best Working Times
Identify the times of the day that you work at your best and schedule the most important and challenging work for these times. Schedule activities that you’ll naturally be able to “push through” at times when you’re at your most sluggish.
That way you’ll optimize your output at all times. Personally, I complete the tasks I need the most concentration for between the hours of 9 am – 1 pm, as that’s when I know I’m at my sharpest. I then schedule meetings between 1 pm and 4 pm because I know that interacting with people will energize me and I’ll be able to push through the post-lunch fog.
Hannah Millist
CEO, Twogether Digital
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