More often than not, we find ourselves in situations where there just isn’t enough time. The project submission is running late, you can’t seem to find time for your laundry, your workload is increasing, you have absolutely no me time and there still isn’t enough time to do all you’re supposed to do. We’ve all had those moments, moments where we scream “just one more hour in the day would be great!” There is an effective solution to most of these issues we face and in this blog post, we’ll be talking about how effective time management and smart goals can take you from feeling overwhelmed to feeling in control of your life.
TIME MANAGEMENT
Time management is the process you use to maximize productivity in your work life by setting goals, organizing your workspace and planning how to divide your time into meaningful blocks that result in reduced stress and increased output. It is a key to achieving success and maintaining a balance between all aspects of your life.
Time Management Tips to Get You Started
Where does my time go?
The first question you should ask yourself is where all your time goes. You already ask yourself that question at the end of every busy day but it hasn’t worked out or made things any easier for you because you are doing it wrong. Alongside asking yourself this question, map out the activities that take up your time, from brushing your teeth to working on a project. This will give you a clear focus on how you use your time and you’ll find out that there is no gremlin consuming your time, it’s all there.
Here are some tips on Time Management to get you started:
Prioritize
Using a scale of preference – making a list of things in this case activities, from most important to least important. It is important to do this without attaching sentimental value to any activity. This will help you allot time each activity and show you where your time is going.
Make a schedule
This might seem old school but perhaps, it is the most valuable thing you can do to maximize your time. With the use of a physical journal or calendar or a virtual journal or calendar like Google and Apple calendar, you can apportion some time to activities, take note if the events you need to be at, note down birthdays and so on. After all, the human mind can only only remember so much and it’s not impossible to forget.
Get rid of distractions
If you think about it, you’ll find that most of your time is spent scrolling mindlessly on Tiktok and Instagram. While there is a place for unwinding and getting inspiration from social media platforms, it is really easy to get distracted so here’s what you should do. Time yourself. Anytime you open these apps or websites, give yourself a specific time to get off it and most importantly, stick to it! Put down your phone and do the work you’re supposed to.
Avoid Multitasking
While multitasking is necessary sometimes and helps you get different jobs done faster sometimes, it reduces the quality of the output and eventually takes you more time. For example, you are working on a project and you are shopping for an essential on the Internet, you might find yourself making mistakes on your project because your attention is divided. Ask yourself, which is more important? Work on that fist efficiently and move on to the next activity.
It is important to note that time management, scheduling and avoiding distractions are great but they are habits built over time. It might not come easy the for few tries or the first few days but eventually, with consistency, you’ll get the hang of it.
SMART Goals
Now that you’ve got a handle on your time, it’s time to define what you want to achieve with it.
This is where SMART goals come into play.
SMART stands for:
- Specific: What exactly do you want to accomplish?
- Measurable: How will you track your progress? Is it possible to track it?
- Attainable: Is your goal realistic within your timeframe?
- Relevant: Does this goal align with your overall aspirations?
- Time-bound: When do you want to achieve this goal? Will the time set aside for it be enough?
Here is how SMART Goals work:
If you want to read a book, instead of setting a vague goal like ‘I want to read a book on personal development,’ be specific: ‘I want to read Atomic Habits by James Clear.’
Make it measurable: ‘I want to read 5 pages of Atomic Habits every day before bed.’
Is this attainable? Yes, it is.
Is Atomic Habits a book that will help your personal development journey? Is it relevant? Yes, it is.
Make it time-bound: ‘It will take me 50-60 days to read Atomic Habits’ (this is just an estimate, depending on the formatting and size of the copy you own).
This is an example of how SMART goals work.
By setting SMART goals, you create a clear roadmap for success. You’ll know exactly what you’re working towards and how to measure your progress. This keeps you motivated and focused, making it more likely you’ll achieve your goals.
Mistakes to Avoid When Setting SMART Goals
Here are few mistakes that might impede your journey on making smart goals:
Not setting attainable goals
While it’s important to dream big, setting goals that are too far out of reach can lead to frustration and burnout. It’s more effective to break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps. Think of it like trying to run a marathon without training—starting with small milestones, like running a mile or two, will help you build the stamina you need. You can always increase your goals as you progress, but it’s important to start with what you can realistically achieve.
Trying to do everything on your own
While it is admirable to be on top of your game in every aspect, it is helpful to outsource. You could pay a drycleaner to do your laundry or pay for housekeeping and grocery shopping. This all depends on your budget and you might even get some things done for you for free.
Not monitoring your progress
Put down your goal in a journal either physical or virtual and track your progress.
Effective time management and smart goal making are skills that can be developed with practice and dedication. By implementing these strategies, you’ll be able to:
- Boost your productivity
- Reduce stress and overwhelm
- Achieve your goals
- Enhance your overall well-being
Remember, time is a precious resource. Use it wisely, and watch your goals become a reality. By taking control of your time and setting clear goals, you’ll unlock your potential and live a more fulfilling life.
Remember, it’s not about fitting more into your day, it’s about making the most of the time you have. So, take charge, set your goals, and watch yourself soar!
