Learning How To Find The Time: How Good Is Your Time Management?

When approaching the subject of time management, its most basic definition typically comes to mind; that effective time management means having the ability to be as productive as possible in the shortest amount of time. Of course, enhancing productivity stands as one of the core skills of effective time management, however, effective time management skills for individuals encompass much more than productive output and handling critical tasks. In this article, we will explore the inner workings of managing time effectively and ways you can improve your time management.

What is effective time management?

The concept of time management is one that is widely recognized in business, education, and workplace settings. In many such settings, hours of business are set, schedules are created, and goals and deadlines are clear. While time management techniques in an established work environment aim to be straightforward, knowing how to manage your time as an individual who is maintaining a social life, starting a business, working from home, or managing a household can be far less clear. 

For many of us, the idea of effective time management looks like constant productivity. We may imagine a properly managed schedule includes enough time to practice morning meditation and exercise, followed by eight hours of focused work, running errands, and whipping up a healthy, home cooked dinner. However, this idealized image of time management tends to be unrealistic as day-to-day life presents us with various tasks, challenges, and opportunities.

While the general definition of time management exists, truly effective time management looks different for every individual based on unique situations, personal values, and goals. 

How effective is your time management? 

You may find yourself wondering: How good is your time management? The answer to this question often lies in evaluating your stress level. While brief periods of high stress are to be expected in life, feeling constant anxiety and overwhelm can be detrimental to both physical and mental health. Additionally, feeling lost or unclear on how to make the most of your time can be equally unnerving. 

Effective time management is not just a collection of to-do list items and making phone calls; time management is a stress management tool that allows time for self-care and mental health. For individuals, the overarching goal of developing good time management is to create less stress. Finding yourself feeling constantly overwhelmed or lost in regards to managing time can be improved through proper goal setting and the use of specific tools.

Improving your time management

Time management for the individual involves more than meeting deadlines or creating more output at work. Improving your personal time management skills can be done through exploring a few core principles: 

1. Decide what’s important to you.
   
   Deciding what's important to you can improve your time management by helping you understand what you need to prioritize. For example, your education might be a high priority, along with your relationship. Pursuing your goals or working on a hobby may be important to you. While what is important may change, prioritizing work, family, community, art, or whatever matters to you most can provide a framework for realistic time management. Prioritizing a task may involve working on it first, spending the most time on it, or both. 

2. Evaluate how you are currently using your time.
   
   Take an inventory on how you are currently using your time. For example, track how long it takes you, on average, to get out of bed. Without judgment, take note of how long you spend working, doing chores, watching TV, or even scrolling on your phone. Rather than making immediate changes, observe how long a given task may take, as well as which items you are prioritizing. 

3. Set achievable goals.
   
   While having an ambitious attitude can be helpful, setting difficult goals can often have the opposite effect on motivation. By understanding how you’re using your time, you can more easily set achievable goals which can often create more motivation. For example, if you are struggling with exercise, start with a goal of taking a walk once per week. 

4. Make time for you.
   
   Effective time management is not solely based on productivity. Including time in your schedule to rest, spend time with friends, have fun, and take care of your health is equally important. By balancing productivity with time for rest and leisure, you can make sure you have the energy and motivation when it’s time to complete a task

Time management and therapy 

Therapy can be helpful in improving time management by addressing underlying psychological factors that hinder effective time utilization. People often grapple with issues like procrastination and anxiety, which therapy tackles by exploring root causes and offering practical tools. Therapists can help clients set realistic goals, evaluate priorities, and establish healthier habits by addressing emotional aspects as well as self-care and stress management.

Online therapy adds an extra layer of convenience, allowing individuals to access therapeutic support from the comfort of their own space, making it a flexible and accessible option for improving time management skills. Online therapy is easy to incorporate into a busy schedule, as you can have sessions at a time that works for you and there is no need to commute to an office. 

Online therapy is also effective. Online formats are just as effective and satisfying as in-person therapy, so you can learn the skills and strategies you need all from the comfort of home. 

Takeaway

In essence, the idea of effective time management is not just about productivity, but to create a more balanced and fulfilling life. Time management involves understanding personal values, setting achievable goals, and prioritizing self-care. Therapy can help by assisting with realistic goal setting, addressing psychological barriers, and providing individualized guidance.