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Mastering Your Minutes: The Art of Effective Time Management

TrainingEdge Team

Updated: Jan 20

Utilizing your time correctly throughout the day

“Time management” can often be confusing, because no one manages time. Instead, we manage ourselves and the events in our lives which take time. Time is definitive. There are twenty-four hours per day. No more. No less. Time should be planned and used wisely. Those individuals who are committed to managing their time wisely often are less stressed, more productive, and able to achieve their goals more effectively than others.


Highly effective professionals place their time in high regard and value. Based on individual personalities and levels of commitment, successful time management strategies can vary based upon motivation, and discipline of each individual.


Most individuals do not manage their time. They let time manage them. It’s an interesting viewpoint.  When a person changes their mindset and makes the commitment to manage time, they will find a better outcome for work and balance in their lives. Successful time management results in less burnout and ultimately achieves a higher level of success with any endeavor. 


So, how to get started?


First, it is important to understand your current habits. 

Track your time. Let’s say for a week, notice how you spend your time. This will help you identify time-wasting activities and patterns. Determine when you’re most productive during the day and plan to tackle high-energy tasks during those times. Sounds easy, right? Not so easy.  The first step of just getting started takes commitment and action. 


Second, set your clear goals. 

Define short- and long-term goals. Make a list of what you want to accomplish, both in the near future and further out, then use a SMART framework to ensure that your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.


Next it is important to prioritize your tasks. 

There are many ways to do this. Start off with a priority matrix.  For example, take time to unload your mind and list all your tasks, then focus on high-Impact activities. Alternatively, identify what will bring the most significant results.   


Then put them into different categories, such as:

  • Urgent & Important: Do immediately.

  • Important but Not Urgent: Schedule for later.

  • Urgent but Not Important: Delegate.

  • Neither: Eliminate or minimize.


Once you have your goals and task list, next create a schedule to fit in what you need to.  Plan on a daily or weekly basis using a planner, calendar or application to outline your tasks.  Block out specific time to the appropriate activities. Don’t forget to plan for breaks. Use the time to maximize your efforts.  Set deadlines and create your best way to stay on track. 


WOW! If you’ve been able to do all the above, you are well on your way to successful time management. Give yourself a reward! Feel good about yourself. Don’t forget to replenish and lavish in your success. 


There is so much more to time management. Small changes can create big rewards!

Check out our Featured Program for January - Time Management for the Professional



Ready to get started? Contact Barbara Ann Sharon, Chief Learning Officer at Training Edge at 610.454.1557 or email basharon@trainingedge.com


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