Time Management Strategies

"For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven..."
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Time. What is the first image that pops up in your head with this simple 4 letter word? A time clock? An appointment? Bus or plane schedule? How to pass your time? Or how to save time and complete the piling work? Well, these are some normal answers that are expected. In today's world we have become slaves of the wheel of time! On certain days, we almost wonder whether the wheel is turning so fast that is hard for us to cope up.

Time is change. And change comes from within us. If we do not follow this simple rule, we are bound to be under pressure from deadlines, work load and crisis. Why is it that how much ever handwork you put in, you are always running out of time. This is not only seen in your professional life, but your personal life too. This mismanagement of time makes you miss out on that much awaited promotion, the very important business deal, your love life, your child's birthday party or a basketball game! Bad time management strategies build up stress and take a toll on your health.

The main reason for all the problems in your life due to lack of time is a disorganized lifestyle. You need to plan out the priorities in your life and work accordingly. The following time management strategies will help you sail through the difficult time tide.

Time Management Techniques
The above quote rightly shows us that everything in life has a specific time. Things done too soon or too late may result in a disaster. To overcome these disappointments in life the following time management strategies will help you make your life more simple and stress free.

• Time is Precious: Do not while away your time. Every second is important. Do not spend more time checking e-mails, chatting with your colleagues, speaking with friends on the phone when you reach office. Instead focus on the pending work and try to complete it as soon as possible. Once the pending work is off your shoulders, you'll have plenty of time to spare for the above activities.
  
• Keep A Schedule: Write all your important work appointments or things to do in a diary. Strike off each task as you complete it along the day. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you manage your time accordingly.
  
• Prioritize Your Work: This is one of the most important time management techniques that will help manage time. Keep the unimportant tasks for the end of the day and complete the major work early during the day. Your energy levels are high and your mind is fresh to complete the important tasks on time.
  
• Learn To Say 'NO': Do not get tempted to anything other than the tasks on your hand. If the new development is not very urgent and important, politely say no and complete your work first. This will help save precious time and you can get back to the new task after you finish yours.
  
• Delegation of Work: You can always delegate your work to your subordinates. Simple tasks that can be completed by the juniors can be passed on. It will take off a load from your schedule and develop a sense of responsibility in the juniors.
  
• Focus On The Quality: Complete your work with concentration and dedication. This will help you do it right the first time and save time that otherwise has to be spent on making corrections and re-dos.
  
• 10 Minute Rule: If you have a large, mundane and difficult task at hand, spend 10 minutes every day to complete it. Once you get the hang of it, you'll finish it on time.
  
• Distractions Not Allowed: When completing a major project or task, switch off your cell phone and e-mail. Do not take calls other than those related to work. Focus on the project and complete it. Do not indulge in any distractions that waste your time and which take your mind away from work.
  
• Healthy Lifestyle: Eat healthy foods and healthy drinks to keep your body in optimum health. A healthy mind helps improve efficiency and you can complete work on time.
  
• Self-Evaluation: Ask yourself questions such as, are you completing your tasks at the last minute and asking for extensions? Do deadlines increase your stress levels? As you answer these questions you will realize the need for effective time management techniques that will help you out of a jam that your life is in.

Tips for Time Management
The following tips for time management are a list of the time management skills that you need to inculcate in yourself.

• Set a goal
  
• Plan your strategies
  
• Prioritize the tasks to be done
  
• Make a firm decision
  
• Delegate tasks
  
• Schedule a time frame for completing each task.

There are many time management software available to help manage time. You can always download free online time management strategies resources to help you understand and manage your time. Complete short-term urgent tasks before taking up long-term less important tasks. Take a break from work and refresh your mind. A walk or a coffee break is sure to pep you up. You can even take a day off and spend some quality time with friends and family that will surely boost your energy levels. Effectively following time management strategies will help you live a stress free life. Time management techniques help improve work and family life. And always remember,"Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it, you can never get it back."