Productivity expert Jordan Cohen believes that we need to get away from the label time management, because its really not about time per se, but rather how productive we can be. He even associated it with dieting and being healthy. You can diet all you want, he says, but you wont necessarily be healthier.
The truth is, you can pay close attention on how you spend your time, but it wont automatically make you productive. Here are 5 time management tips to keep you productive:
1. Schedule your priorities on a planner
As much as to-do lists help in getting things done, they are simply a reminder of your unaccomplished tasks. Scaling down your priorities and setting realistic timeframes for each task can give more sense of commitment and keep you on track.
Keeping your priorities as organized as possible is one of the most important factors in achieving productivity. Not only can this strategy bring you to a whole new level of success, it can also clear the clutter in your head and let you maintain the focus that your work demands.
2. Make time for work that matters
Drop insignificant tasks and replace them with valuable ones. Choose which activities give you the least amount of benefit for the time commitment they require. You'll surprisingly end up creating more time for more important things.
When following unclear schedules, sometimes we end up wondering where the hours go. One of the keys to achieving productivity is analyzing how you spend your time. Its always a question of how well you prioritize.
3. Focus on real work
Beware of the activity trap this includes unnecessary requests and routine activities that eat up our time and resources. Sticking to the same routine which had once led you to success, for instance, may not be the best idea when moving onto your next project. This can end up as a waste of time and energy that shouldve been put into curating a smarter strategy.
The answer on what should be done is as essential as how it should be done. Focusing solely on activities is a great way to kill innovation.
Pay enough attention to real work, or else the activity trap will expand, choking off any opportunity to kill your strategic agenda.
4. Multitasking is evil
Most people believe that multitasking is a good skill. Employers even put the must be good in multitasking quality on their job postings. But be aware that dividing your attention across multiple activities at a time often comes at the expense of real productivity.
If you take pride in your multitasking capabilities like managing emails while on a conference call or talking on the phone while writing an article, you may not be as efficient as you think you are. Sometimes you just have to take on tasks one at a time, especially if your goal is to produce a remarkable outcome.
Get rid of distractions: Put your phone in silent mode, shut off extra computer screens if you have to. Try to prevent the urge by eliminating temptation. And if you still find yourself unable to concentrate, take a short break and move around for a while. Increasing blood flow to the brain can help you gain focus.
5. Think positively about time
Deadlines and time constraints strike pressure, thus performing well under these circumstances can be a challenge. As much as possible, reduce glaring at the clock; relax. Carrying out positive emotions will enhance your work strategy.
If you hear yourself saying, I don't have enough time, then reply out loud with, I have all the time I need for the tasks I have to accomplish. A declaration like this has a relaxing and liberating effect which relieves tension.
We tend to focus on tasks that make us feel busy. But you need to ask yourself, Are these things really important? Doing more with less often helps you avoid fake work. Remember: fake work can be invisible because it often masquerades as real work.
The most important things you can instill in your time management strategy are balance and moderation.
Check out my blog for more tips and motivational posts for entrepreneurs and resources for success!
I’m a 7-figure business startup consultant, best-selling author of “The Wealthy State of Mind,” and international motivational speaker, with a passion for helping entrepreneurs achieve success in business. Using the methods I’ve developed from helping businesses achieve success over the past 10 years, the Entrepreneur Academy was born. Inside, entrepreneurs are taught the fundamentals of building a successful and profitable business based on real-world tactics that are responsible for generating millions of dollars in business profits.
