subject: How To Be A Time Management Rock Star [print this page] There's no reason why you can't improve your time management skills. It is simply a matter of getting rid of old bad habits and implementing new good habits. Naturally, it's easier to read about this than to do it. Many people have a hard time making important changes. You should realize up front that becoming better at time management will not happen immediately. You need to have patience and understand that you will probably make some mistakes. Fortunately, there are specific strategies that can help you develop time management skills more quickly.
While mapping out your goals and your day is good, it is also good to be flexible. Forcing yourself to adhere to a rigid routine will only create a lot of stress for you. Stress does not help you get more done; on the contrary, it hampers your productivity. Sometimes you have to simply let certain things go undone. This doesn't mean to ignore larger goals. It only means that when you are compelled to make adjustments to your predetermined schedule, don't let it upset you. Make the best of it. If you try to micromanage yourself too much, you could damage your health!
Everyone has an internal clock, and you should follow yours as much as you can. Some people are naturally more productive and focused in the evenings. Other people are more efficient early in the day. For others still, the most productive time of day might be late afternoon or early evening. Try to accommodate your own natural rhythm when you schedule your day. Schedule your most focused work for the time of day when your brain naturally focuses the best. This way you will be working with yourself instead of against your natural instincts. You'll be surprised how much more you get done!
Naturally, you want to do as many things as you can, but you also want to make sure they are getting done the right way. Don't rush something just to get it done if it means that it won't be done properly. Turning out high quality work should be your priority, even if you are a little late. The best way to avoid problems is to be accurate in estimating how long a job will take when you plan it. When possible, allow yourself more time than you think you'll need for each activity. You are better off having too much time than too little for important tasks.
Anyone can get more skillful at managing time. In fact, using just these few time management tips should help you get started on building those skills right now. The simple fact is that, for the most part, good time management is little more than developing good working habits. Like many things, this is a skill that you have to keep practicing to improve.
