Let’s face it: managing our time can feel like trying to juggle a million things at once. Why do we have a problem with time? Simple! We think we don’t have any. It’s like the classic Catch-22.
We dash around, doing a dozen things at once and achieving… well, not much. This leads to feelings of stress, dissatisfaction, and that nagging sense of dread that you have forgotten something desperately important.
As a Virtual Assistant, it’s my mission to help you escape this whirlwind of chaos. Spoiler alert: the solutions are surprisingly simple—if you can muster the commitment.
So, without further ado, here are my top tips for better time management that will have you feeling like a productivity wizard in no time:
- Declutter Your Life
Start by clearing out the clutter around you—your desk, your office, your home, and yes, even your mind. Think of it as spring cleaning in November, but without the dust. Once you create some space (physical or metaphorical), you might just be shocked at how much more focused you can be.
- Plan Like a Pro
If you wander through your day without any goals, it is difficult to achieve what you need to. Take a moment to sit down and think. Make a list, write it on a post-it, whatever as long as it is written down. Planning is not that hard, if you commit, you can do. Once you know what you want to achieve, block out time in your calendar and make it happen. Your future self will thank you, I guarantee it.
- Embrace Your Inner Sloth with Buffer Time
Buffer time is your friend! Leave gaps in your calendar for the unexpected surprises life throws your way. Trust me, this is not just good advice; it’s a life-saver. I learned this the hard way, and my calendar and I are now in a much happier place.
- Prioritise those tasks
What’s the most important task of the day? Decide and once you know your priorities, commit to completing them. Cross things off your list like a boss, and feel that sweet satisfaction of productivity wash over you. They may be small victories but they feel good.
- Kick Procrastination to the Curb
We all do it: we sit there, overthinking and avoiding tasks. Enough is enough! Dive in and tackle that project. Worst case scenario, you might discover you’re actually really good at it (or at least better than you are at avoiding it).
- Focus Like a Laser
Distractions are everywhere: buzzing phones, endless notifications, and that cat video you absolutely need to watch. But distractions are the enemy of productivity. Set your devices aside and give your task the full attention it deserves. Just a couple of hours of focus can turn you into a productivity ninja!
- Finish What You Start
How many projects have you begun only to leave them hanging around? It’s time to change that. Once you start something, see it through.
- Stick to It
Once you’ve implemented these tips, keep at it! Staying organised is tricky – sometimes it takes a little patience, but the results are totally worth it. Old habits die hard, but by creating new routines around time management, you’ll not only feel more accomplished, but your life will run smoother.
So, there you have it! Time management doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. If you stick to it, you’ll be managing your time like a pro in no time. Now go forth and conquer that calendar!
I hope that you have found these tips useful. If you would like to discuss other ways to create more time and productivity, I offer free discovery calls, so please do contact me at emma@theumbrellatree.co.uk or visit my website www.theumbrellatree.co.uk