Enhancing Productivity through Effective Time Management: Discover Useful Strategies
It's rather peculiar how the evenings grow dark earlier these days, and the constant drizzle seems to last forever. Fall and winter can definitely cast a gloomy shadow over one's mood. Let's treat ourselves to something delightful, but where can we squeeze in the time? The Institute for Applied Work Science (IFAA) proposes three strategies:
- Engage in outdoor activities
- Maintain a balanced diet
- Indulge in pleasurable experiences
Finding spare time amidst a packed work schedule and personal engagements can be a challenge. The secret lies in improving our time management skills. Here are some tactics to sneak in some extra leisure time.
1. Write down your weekly plans
As per the IFAA, jotting things down on paper makes your goals more tangible. At the start of the week, list out what's important in both your professional and personal life, together with an estimate of how long each task will take. This process adds a layer of certainty to your plans.
2. Apply the 40:60 rule for a workable daily schedule
If your to-do list is lengthy and things don't go as planned, the 40:60 rule can save the day. Allocate around 40% of your available time as a safety net for unforeseen activities, such as unexpected calls, tasks, or emails.
3. Establish boundaries and prioritize effectively
Doing everything that's asked of us and taking on too much is bound to lead to a schedule crunch. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, set your own personal limits and learn to politely decline offers that don't align with your priorities. The IFAA suggests expressing your needs directly and clearly.
Another time management strategy, the Kiesel principle, helps you prioritize effectively. Initially, carve out time for significant tasks. Then, slot in less important activities around them. Visualize your time as a bucket. By placing a large stone in first, followed by smaller pebbles, you'll be able to accommodate more items than if you reverse the process. Similarly, starting with numerous small tasks may leave insufficient time for the significant, more pressing tasks.
After jotting down my weekly plans according to the IFAA's suggestion, I realized that incorporating pleasurable experiences as a priority could significantly improve my overall well-being, given my professional commitments. Employing the 40:60 rule in my daily schedule has allowed me to allocate ample time for enjoyable activities, ensuring a balance between work and leisure.
