Time Management as YOUR Ally

Have you ever thought about how effective time management can be your strongest ally for self-care and living authentically? 

There’s a delicate balance between our responsibilities, personal goals, and taking time for self-care that can make time management seem like an impossible task. It's so easy to lose ourselves in the midst of everything and forget what truly matters. There are some effective tools I have used as time management tools that help me every day. Time management is an organizing of your time intelligently so you can use it most effectively. This way you have greater productivity and less stress along the way. 

There are a few principles derived from research that matter on time management commitment, pursue fun, time versus task focus, one thing at a time, block out time, first things first, routines, flexibility, respond versus react, and organize your environment.  

Let’s focus on a couple of these principles and how they work for me.  

Block out time is giving a specific chunk of time to a specific area that is an estimated number of hours that it’ll take to complete something. The way that I usually do this is by my planner (grab yours here) and Calendar Apps (such as iCal). I use a paper calendar to manage my life because I need to see it written out, not digitally. I utilize a digital calendar for shared events to make sure the details, time, and dates are shared with those involved. This planning tool is important to make sure you are recording information on the tool itself, reviewing it daily, having a priority list within the tool is helpful, and it is helpful to keep technology synchronized for all up-to-date information. Pick the best tool for you to be able to block your time out the best!  

To-Do Lists: These can be completed with a first things first, which is scheduling the most important things first in your day for a lower chance of getting interrupted. It’s helpful to create task lists, set priorities, and keep track of your progress. One way I have been doing this for work is by using an app that tracks my time per task. Consider your own preferences and needs when choosing between paper and apps. You can experiment to find what works best for you in different situations. I try to write down tasks with square check boxes of the items I can feasibly finish in a day— I often prefer to use sticky notes as my method.  

Time Tracking: Time tracking is a practice that involves monitoring and recording how you spend your time during the day. It can be a valuable tool for improving productivity, managing tasks, and gaining insights into how you allocate your time, and boost productivity. 

In our fast-paced world, we often glorify busyness, sometimes forgetting our most essential relationship – the one we have with ourselves. With effective time management, I've learned to carve out moments for getting tasks done or getting to the gym for jiu jitsu. More effective time management provides me with the ability to spend quality time with the people I cherish the most, emphasizing the significance of connection and community in my life.  

In conclusion, time management isn't about becoming a productivity machine; it's a pathway to a life that's authentic to who you are. It ensures that you don't get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life but remain connected with your values, dreams, and, most importantly, yourself. 

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