Time management is a myth - there's is no way to control or manage the 24 hours you are given each day. Instead, we must learn to effectively manage ourselves within this allotted time frame, "making time" to effectively conduct our tasks and minimise time wastage in order to achieve our goals.
Depending on the tasks at hand and the way you work, you'll find different methods effective when it comes to organising and structuring your day. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to better account for your time:
Have a to-do list - have a list of all of your tasks written down. Visualising the tasks lets you better prioritise your jobs. It's also helpful to break up bigger assignments into smaller individual items. Instead of having a task to "plan a conference", break it down into the steps needed to get it done. It will make the task much more digestible and also helps you plan the execution.
Allocate time - when it comes to your priorities, you need to schedule them into your day. Make time to get important tasks done and reschedule other appointments if needed. Get rid of time wasters when they're not needed - routine catch-ups and meetings for the sake of meetings can hinder your progress when you have a lot of priorities.
Learn to say "no" - don't take on tasks that you cannot achieve. Effective time management is about knowing how best to allocate your limited resource and knowing when you can't complete a request. Learn the difference between urgent and vital - urgent tasks may seem to demand your immediate attention but might not be vital to the fundamentals of your business planning. Find alternative solutions to these issues.
Go with the flow - no single time management strategy will be effective for everyone. Work with your individual biorhythm - are you a morning person or do you peak in the afternoon? Schedule difficult tasks in for when you're at optimal productivity levels and keep mundane activities like answering emails for the troughs in your day.
You'll be faced with different challenges as you progress through your career, but effective time management skills and will help you stay organised and on top of your responsibilities. Develop good habit when you're a student and they'll see you through to the executive level.
