The Secrets of Time Management

Hi, readers!

I’m back with my first blog post of the New Year, and I’m delighted to be back on board with the Come Recommended. This spring, I will be working as the editorial content intern, and I will have the opportunity to do a lot more reading and writing for CR.

But first, I have a serious question for you – our readers:

How many times have you looked at that daunting whiteboard with unchecked tasks to complete and thought to yourself, “Why aren’t there more hours in the day?”

I know I have been guilty of doing this many times! Thus, I have compiled a list of tips to improve your time management skills.

Let’s get started:

1. Set up a timer to keep yourself on track: Timing each task is  a great way to stick to your schedule, and avoid getting off course. According to Pierre Khawand’s guest blog post on Life After College, the benefits include a heightened awareness of time and the a sense of purpose with the task at hand.
2. Designate times for your social network: According to an article written by BNet’s Richard Young, it is imperative that we prioritize our time and use of social networks. Information overload surrounds us in the form of e-mail and social networks, and burns-up our brain cells, leaving us lethargic to complete our top-priority tasks. I’m certainly not encouraging disengaging yourself from your social networks. I’m simply encouraging you to use your time and energy more usefully by allotting short and scheduled periods integrated within your schedule to devote to your social networks. And use your timer for  those periods too!
3. Seize your most energetic time of the day: Last Fall, we had a great intern Caroline who discussed how she would seize her mornings to create a schedule for that entire day because mornings were when she was most alert and energetic. I am definitely a morning person, as well, so I stick by this tip daily and it works wonders. Sure — waking up early is a pain but I find so much can be accomplished in those early hours. Discover your most energetic time of the day, and seize it. Thanks, Caroline, for that tip!
4. Create realistic mini goals and long-term goals for yourself: It’s important to prioritize the tasks that need to be completed and those that can be accomplished over a span of a time. Do not stress yourself out by overestimating yourself, your time or your other priorities.
5. Stay optimistic  – it’s not the end of the world: We all fall off tasks here and there because, afterall, we are human. Do not succumb to disappointment or a feeling of failure. Stay optimistic and follow these simple tips. Do not let your tasks overrun you! Take a grip of your tasks because you are the boss and you control your time.

Good luck, readers!