We need to give up exhaustion as a status symbol but doing less is easier said than done. Technology has made us available 24×7 and although every device still comes with an off button, many people find it hard to sign off at the end of the day.
Limiting your use of technology and changing your frame of mind are good first steps to rethink how you spend your time. If you really want to improve your time management skills, you’ll need to commit to making some behavioural changes. It’s important to recognize what’s at the root of your busy-ness.
There’s plenty of research and common sense to remind us that we cannot help others unless we’re helping ourselves first. By being selfish with our time we may be more effective.
Three Tips to Better Time Management
Time management requires periodic attention and monitoring. Time management goals includes saying no, prioritizing and delegating more.
Here are the questions to ask yourself before making a commitment:
How important is it, and can it wait?
It’s easy to say yes to work, especially if the assignment is coming from your boss, will make you look good or get you closer to the next raise or promotion. Whenever you can, take time to evaluate the request carefully. Ask yourself – is this project important? Is it urgent, or can you push it out a quarter? If it has to happen now, can you move something else down on your priority list?
Can someone else do it, or at least pitch in?
Let’s say it’s important and nothing else is going to give – maybe you can delegate some of the work or get help from a peer. If someone on your team has the skills, or needs more visibility, that might be a win/win solution. Or, maybe the work can be divided between you and a couple team members.
By saying yes to this, what am I saying no to?
Always make sure you have a clear understanding of the results of taking on something new. By taking on one more thing, will your other work suffer? Can you meet the deadline and still do a great job? Maybe you’ll get home late or wind up working a couple extra weekends. Make sure your choices are measured and intentional.
Recognizing when you’ve taken on too much is your cue to revisit your work and personal commitments. See what you can postpone, where you can get help, or what you’re doing out of habit that you may not need to do at all.
For further support & advice contact EAP Assist.