Time management — it's like there’s never a shortage of advice around it, right?
And yet, despite all the ‘tips’ and ‘tricks’, it can still be quite a challenge to master. Part of the challenge is it takes time to build the habits that lead to greater use of our time.
But the bigger problem is that much of the advice out there isn’t as helpful as we’d like to believe. In fact, some of them can end up wasting more of your time than saving it.
With that in mind, let’s explore four commonly believed time management myths that could be holding you back.
Myth #1 To-Do Lists Are The Ultimate Solution
When it comes to managing tasks, many of us rely on to-do lists. We jot down all the things we want to accomplish and hope to check them off by the day’s end.
But have you ever wondered why some tasks don’t make the cut and get carried over?
It’s because to-do lists are a bit one dimensional. They lack crucial information about how long each task will take — which is essential for effective time management.
What to do instead:
A more effective approach is to list your tasks, estimate how much each time will require, and put them in your calendar.
This method provides a much clearer picture of how long your tasks will take and helps you figure out if it’s even realistic to complete them all in a single day.
Proactive scheduling not only improves your time management, but also saves you from the frustration of dealing with an ever-growing task list.
Myth #2: Always Tackle The Hardest Task First
This one’s a classic, and truth be told, we’ve fallen for this one too!
Yes, there is some merit to the idea. But we often overlook the impact of our natural bio rhythms and energy when it comes to managing our time effectively.
We don’t know about you, but attempting to work on challenging tasks when your energy levels are at rock bottom can be both time-consuming and counter productive.
What to do instead:
Be aware of your energy peaks and dips. If you’re most energetic in the morning, then it is a good idea to tackle demanding tasks during that time.
But if your peak energy times differ, assess which part of your day you are at the highest level, and that’s when consider working on your challenging tasks then.
This approach is a winning combination; ensuring that you make the best use of your time, optimize productivity, and achieve better results.
Myth #3: Taking Breaks Is A Waste Of Time
If you want to make the most of your time, you’d want to spend every minute of it working right? Not quite!
A survey shows 86% of people who take breaks in between work experience a boost in their productivity and speed.
See, taking a break isn’t a waste of time! It’s a valuable asset when used strategically.
What to do instead:
There are various ways to take breaks effectively, so it will take some experimenting to find what works.
Studies suggest that you take 5-minute breaks every 30-90 minute, or schedule two longer breaks in a day, one in the morning and one in the mid-afternoon.
Another helpful tip is to engage in activities you genuinely enjoy during your breaks. If you're looking for some ideas, we've written a whole article about it here!
Myth #4: The Perfect Time Management Strategy Exists
Many of us are on a quest to discover the perfect time management strategy, but the reality is it doesn’t exist!
Time management is influenced by factors like management timelines and project dynamics, which can undergo rapid shifts.
Adopting a rigid strategy in one go without room for flexibility is just a recipe for frustration.
What to do instead:
The best way to enhance your time management is to introduce gradual, manageable changes.
For example, you can start by applying the first strategy we mentioned this week, and move on to the next the following week.
Over the course of a few weeks, assess how these changes impact the use of your time and adjust accordingly.
Time Management Doesn’t Have To Be A Struggle
If you find time management tough, TopVA is here to assist you! We specialize in handling tasks that typically consume your day, freeing up valuable time for critical activities that move your business forward. Plus, we'll work with you to create efficient systems and strategies to ensure that every minute is maximized!
Try a free Success Strategy Call with us today!
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