"Time Management" is a common topic that has always been of interest to verbalizers and writers alike. A colleague of mine recently asked me to write about time management, and I couldn't help but share my perspective.
To me, time management is nothing but self-discipline. It comprises two words - "time" and "management." The word "time" refers to a unit of measurement for a series of events, while "management" involves planning, organizing, staffing, leading, directing, and controlling an organization or event.
Over the course of my professional career spanning thirteen years, I have learned that managing time is crucial to leading a balanced life both professionally and personally. Early in my career, I found myself working late into the night and making my subordinates do the same. It wasn't until later that I realized that I was doing this because I was unable to manage my customers' expectations or set clear expectations with my manager. What I learned from this experience is that the most important aspect of time management is people management.
I started saying "no" to unrealistic expectations from both customers and managers. I found ways to meet expectations within a reasonable time frame. I stopped holding team meetings after work hours and started planning my day in such a way that I could give the team adequate time during office hours. I minimized unplanned meetings with managers, subordinates, and customers. While it was difficult at first, I found that by doing this, I was able to better manage my time, rather than have it manage me.
I stopped wasting my subordinates' time by ensuring that meetings were productive and did not last longer than necessary. This also increased the productivity of my colleagues.
I began arriving at the office early and used the first thirty minutes to plan out the rest of my day. This involved prioritizing my tasks for the day and sticking to the plan as much as possible. I found that I was able to stick to the plan about 75% of the time.
I learned that time management is a set of principles, practices, skills, tools, and systems that work together to help you get more value out of your time and improve the quality of your life. After changing my attitude towards my work style, I felt more focused, relaxed, and in control of my life.
In addition to people management, there are several tools and systems that can be used to manage time effectively. For example, writing things down and creating a to-do list can be a powerful way to prioritize tasks. Categorizing your to-do list using the ABC principle can also be helpful. Additionally, carrying a notebook to jot down ideas and insights can be beneficial. Learning to say "no" and not overcommitting, thinking before acting, delegating work, keeping a goal journal, avoiding "filler" tasks, and not procrastinating are all important principles to keep in mind when managing time.
It's important to note that while much of time management is a personal responsibility, external factors can also have an impact. Interference from spouses, children, managers, and colleagues can all affect how time is managed. Therefore, it's essential to learn how to manage people simultaneously.
Managing time both professionally and personally is crucial to leading a balanced life. Quality time spent with family, parents, children, and spouses can be achieved by planning and prioritizing personal time. Activities such as going out for dinner, watching movies, shopping, playing games with kids, and pursuing hobbies can all be considered quality time. It's important to plan personal time so that you can also have some time for yourself to do things that you enjoy, such as photography, reading, or meeting with friends.
In conclusion, managing time requires self-discipline, people management, and the effective use of principles, practices, skills
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