Whether you’re at home or on the job, you’ll find that you’ll have a tough time getting things done if you don’t have time management skills. Time management is not all that hard to master; it just takes practice, so implement some of the following tips into your daily routine.

Time Management 101

First, make sure that you use a schedule book or calendar. Chances are good that you’ll be much more likely to remember something without even looking at your to-do list once you write something down.

The discipline of writing in a planner can be pretty rewarding. It’ll make you more mindful of the work at hand and force you to organize your day effectively to accomplish what’s on your list.  

• When you get up every morning, take the time to look over your schedule while eating breakfast or sipping your coffee. This will help you map out your day in your head or adjust your plan. The more flexible your schedule, the better you can get around unforeseen difficulties.
• Get in the habit of confirming appointments or meetings with people to ensure nothing has changed. If a different time is better for you, don’t be afraid to ask for a change in the time or date. If a meeting is in the middle of your day, consider shifting it. After all, you’ll lose a few minutes of productivity before and after as you regain momentum.

Don’t Over Commit Yourself

Many of us start developing terrible time management habits because we want to be everywhere and help people with everything. If you’re feeling harried and hurried, you’re unable to perform at your best.  

Take some time and think about your physical and mental health. You’ll improve your time management skills by taking a brief break to reflect and gain perspective on what’s going on and where you need to focus.

• Determine where you want to focus your activities. If you have children, decide before the school year starts how much time you have to commit to school or after-school activities. 
• Think about what committees or groups you can participate in at work without over-extending yourself. If you over-commit yourself, your quality of work will suffer.

If you’re constantly running behind, try to wear a watch with an alarm or set alarms on your cell phone. This can make a big difference when trying to get to places on time. Just wearing a watch can make you a whole lot more time conscious.

Implement Some Structure Into Your Day

Set a specific schedule for the morning and evening so you can accomplish routine tasks every day. Eventually, you’ll become more efficient, freeing up more time for other activities.

• In the morning, make a point of cleaning up the kitchen before going to work. Clean the coffee maker, put the dirty plates and cups in the dishwasher, and wipe down your counters before entering the door. That way, when you get home, you can take some time to unwind without rushing around. 
• In the evening, de-clutter your living space, putting everything where it belongs. Clean the dinner table, wipe down the counters, and do your nighttime routine before bed. Integrating structure into your day will help you think clearer and feel more organized.

Time management is an important skill you must master, so make sure it’s a top priority!