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You can do many things to improve your time management skills. Reducing the amount of steps to do a project is just one of them. Another way to improve your time management is to prioritize the tasks that must be completed. But have you ever wondered what the best way to improve time management is? Well, here it is. I believe the most effective way to improve time management is with planning.
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"All time management begins with planning."
~ Tom Greening
By planning your daily tasks, you will be able to determine your priorities and manage your time better during the day. Planning can be done through simple, detailed steps refined to motivate you to do the tasks without being overwhelmed.
The next step is to prioritize your tasks. Below are three different methods to prioritize your tasks.
Prioritize Method 1: Use paper Index cards or sticky notes
Get index cards, and write one small task on each card. Then, sort the cards in order from beginning to end. Ask yourself these questions: What needs to be done first? How about the second task? And what is the third task? And so on.
Prioritize Method 2: Create a list on paper.
Another method is to write a list of the tasks that need to be done on a piece of paper. Use one word or phrase that describes what needs to be done. Cut the paper into strips. Each strip should have one task on it. Then, sort the strips into priority order by what needs to be done first. Then, tape each task strip to another larger piece of paper.
You can also use apps like Trello, Monday, Asana, or Microsoft Planner to create the steps you want to complete a project. While all of these are great for planning your steps for a project, remember that some are more complex than others.
Prioritize Method 3: Mindmap Planning
You can also use a large dry-erase or chalkboard and draw a mindmap to help determine your tasks. The mindmap should include a center circle and a goal written in it. Then, it branches around the central goal, showing the tasks you need. Each group of similar tasks can quickly be branched on their branch for easy access and delegation.
There are many mindmap apps; check out this post by Zapier (The Best Mind Mapping Apps for 2023).
Then, number or letter each task by priority order. What do you need to do first, second, third, etc…..
By planning with one of these methods, you will help yourself, your family, or your team organize tasks more effectively. It makes your time more productive and enables you to feel more accomplished during your day.
What areas do you have issues with when it comes to time management? Please leave a comment below.
How can I help? Do you need help being more accountable with your tasks? If you need guidance on how to make a plan to accomplish your goals, I can help!
Visit our other time management posts for more help!