Manage Time Well: Part 1

Time management is undoubtedly one of the most challenging tasks . Our lives are busy and getting busier everyday. Today working just hard is not enough, rather working smart and managing time well is extremely important.

So let's look at some time management tips:

1. Complete most important tasks first.

This is the golden rule of time management. Each day, identify the two or three tasks that are the most crucial to complete, and do those first.

Once youre done, the day has already been a success. You can move on to other things, or you can let them wait until tomorrow. Youve finished the essential.

2. Learn to say no.

Making a lot of time commitments can teach us how to juggle various engagements and manage our time. This can be a great thing.

However, you can easily take it too far. At some point, you need to learn to decline opportunities. Your objective should be to take on only those commitments that you know you have time for and that you truly care about.

3. Sleep at least 7-8 hours.

Some people think sacrificing sleep is a good way to hack productivity and wring a couple extra hours out of the day. This is not the case.

Most people need 7-8 hours of sleep for their bodies and minds to function optimally. You know if youre getting enough. Listen to your body, and dont underestimate the value of sleep.

4. Devote your entire focus to the task at hand.

Close out all other browser windows. Put your phone away, out of sight and on silent. Find a quiet place to work, or listen to some music if that helps you.

Concentrate on this one task. Nothing else should exist. Immerse yourself in it.

5. Get an early start.

Nearly all of us are plagued by the impulse to procrastinate. It seems so easy, and you always manage to get it done eventually, so why not?

Take it from a recovering chronic procrastinator — its so much nicer and less stressful to get an earlier start on something. It isnt that difficult either, if you just decide firmly to do it.