WHY IS TIME MANAGEMENT IMPORTANT?


TIME

Time is the basis on which everything runs in our lives. It is a commodity that we always
need desperately, however much we may have it. We are usually in situations in which
we don’t feel we have enough time to complete all our desired tasks.  
There are often situations after which we tend to think “I just wasted an hour of my life
that I will never get back.” This is where the need for effective time management arises.
Time management refers to systematically planning our activities of the day so as to

complete all our tasks effectively and efficiently. It means organizing tasks such that the
desired output is obtained with a minimum amount of time possible, thereby increasing
our productivity.  The major skills involved are planning, goal setting and setting
priorities for more effective performance. It is often thought that time management is
only required in business administration. We tend to forget that this skill is required in
every aspect of our lives. If we do not manage our time appropriately and according to
the task at hand, it can lead to ineffective completion of the task and may have a
negative impact on the long run.

Moreover, it also leads to stress conditions, which is not good for the physical, mental
and psychological well-being. Eventually, it leads to a lot of frustration and confusion. 

According to a study from Stanford University, people who work for a more number of
hours (more than 55 hours per week) usually work less and have lesser productivity than
people who work for a lesser number of hours.
Hence, the key to better time management and more efficacy is smart work rather than
hard work. 

A person who works with proper time management skills usually plans out their
activities systematically according to their day or week schedule. They usually find
themselves ahead of the task deadline and are hence, able to avoid stressful situations
more often than others. They are also good at multitasking skills and know what tasks
can be performed simultaneously to save time. 

Here are some tips for better time management.


Keep a track of your time-

Plan your tasks with time estimates and try to complete them in the specified time. Make shorter, achievable time goals.

Avoid distractions-

Avoid checking your phones or emails in between tasks. Try keeping your focus on the task at hand. 

Make priorities and plan accordingly-

Prioritize your tasks according to your needs and set a time estimate for each. Try completing everything in the stipulated time, but also remember to keep buffer time in hand in case things don’t work as planned. 
If you think you don’t have much idea about your time management skills, a counselor professional can assist you. At MyCareerIdea, you can engage with a professional and try taking some time management assessment tests that may help you to plan your things accordingly. You will also be able to get career guidance and consultation with the help of our trained counselors and mentors. Some of the commonly used management tests are :

  • Myers-Briggs type indicator test
  • DISC test

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