Master Time Management with These 6 Essential Schedule Tweaks
By ShaChena Gibbs
You’ve probably picked up some nifty time management tips along the way, whether from a mentor, a close confidante, or your own inner wisdom. But executing these strategies can be trickier than it seems. Crafting a schedule for yourself may feel as daunting as steering your own ship. So, let’s don our self-starter caps and dive into these six invaluable hacks for mastering time management!
- Give Yourself Breathing Room: Ladies, let’s acquaint ourselves with the concept of buffer time. A jam-packed calendar devoid of breathing space is a recipe for exhaustion. Block out those precious buffer moments between meetings and tasks on your calendar. Trust me; your future self will be grateful when your days become more productive and less draining.
- Embrace Organized Living: Achieving the nirvana of organization can be a monumental shift for many. Initially, it might seem like you’re investing extra time just to stay organized. But here’s a jaw-dropping statistic: On average, Americans squander approximately 2.5 days every year searching for misplaced items. Let’s not become part of that statistic! Find a dedicated place for your belongings and always return them to their rightful spots. And don’t forget your digital realm! Establish a straightforward filing system for your computer documents and make sure new files find their way to the correct destination.
- Leverage the 80-20 Principle: Ever heard of the Pareto Principle or the 80-20 rule? It’s the secret sauce to getting 80% of the work done in just 20% of the time. Similarly, 80% of results stem from a mere 20% of actions. This rule applies to many facets of life, making it a game-changer for time management. Cultivate the habit of identifying tasks that yield the most substantial results. Dedicate more time to these high-impact actions and bid farewell to tasks that consume your time without delivering the outcomes you crave.
- Productivity During Wait Times: Ladies, there will inevitably be moments when you find yourself waiting—be it at the grocery store, the doctor’s office, or stuck in traffic. Instead of idly twiddling your thumbs or getting lost in your phone, let’s make the most of this time. Tune in to that intriguing podcast you’ve been itching to explore, immerse yourself in a captivating book on a topic of interest, or jot down your thoughts in a journal. Transform waiting time into a treasure trove of productivity.
- Task Organization in Blocks: Let’s batch similar tasks together, shall we? There is no need to check your email each time a notification pings. Unless it’s urgent, reserve specific time blocks, say every two hours, to tackle your email deluge all at once. This laser-focused approach enhances efficiency and keeps distractions at bay—a smarter way to work, indeed!
- The Art of Doing Less: Now, this may seem counterintuitive, but it’s far from slacking off. The truth is, we often bite off more than we can chew, which isn’t always beneficial for our productivity. If you find yourself juggling party planning, endless chats with coworkers, and venturing into other departments’ territories, you might be spreading yourself too thin. In the end, this can lead to overpromising and underdelivering, which doesn’t serve you or your colleagues. It’s time to strike a balance and prioritize tasks for optimal results.
Incorporate these six schedule changes into your life, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering time management like a pro. Don’t forget to make these adjustments with your unique, feminine flair—after all, time management can be both efficient and elegant. Happy scheduling, ladies!
Keep Rising,
ShaChena Gibbs
Meet ShaChena Gibbs, CEO/Founder of Real Sisters Rising Women Business Association. ShaChena is an award-winning entrepreneur, educator, and association leader who has dedicated her efforts to helping businesses achieve their goals. She has over a decade of experience and is well-versed in the home-based business industry and the difficulties that businesses face on a daily basis. Her expertise spans market research, financial analysis, strategy formulation, and product development. She is a natural problem solver and leader with the ability to build strong relationships. ShaChena is assisting businesses in growing and is driven to make an impact in the world.