The biggest reason people don’t succeed? They can’t decide what they want. The moment you decide to start managing your time better, things start to happen.

You become more productive, less stressed and you take back more control of your life.

This is not wishful thinking.

This is a universal law.

What happens when you don’t manage you time wisely? 

More often than not, we feel like there’s not enough time and utter words like; “There isn’t enough time,” “I need more time.” “24 hours a day isn’t enough.” “If only I could get one more hour or two hours extra in a day…”

It happens. There are days you wake up to realize you have tons of activities to carry out. And before you finish with the first, half of the day is gone.

You begin to scramble, juggle between activities, multitasking like your life depends on it. Because it does.

Most times, the day ends with you doing everything and nothing at the same time. Or despite the perceived busy schedule, you discover you were able to achieve very little.

We all have 24 hours – its what you do with it that matters. 

One universal truth is that everyone has twenty four (24) hours in a day. From Donald Trump and Elon Musk to you and me.

It is a constant.

Why then, you ask, does it seem like some people are more productive with their days than others?

Why does it look like some people have more than enough time while you are barely able to finish one quarter of your task for the day.

The answer is simply, time management.

7 Tips to start time management in 2023

Some people have learnt to manage their time better than others. They know it is the secret of productivity and they follow it judiciously like a religion.

Do you want to be part of such people?

Here are seven tips to start managing your time and becoming more productive.

1. Create a Plan For Your Day.

It is not uncommon for people to wake up in the morning and attack activities as they present themselves.

Trust me, that’s the fastest way to waste your day.

I’ll liken it to someone who starts a journey without having a destination in mind. By the end of the day, he or she will end up not reaching a destination because there was none from the start.

Set a daily goal.

Create a schedule.

Arrange your most important tasks around the time of the day you are most productive.

For some, it’s the morning, for others in the evening or any other time of the day. Whichever works for you.

But have a plan.

I advise you to get the schedule ready for the next day before going to bed.

2. Prioritize Tasks.

Note the task that adds the most to accomplishing your goals.

Place it at the top of the list. Followed by the second most important task.

The 80/20 rule.

The 20% task that contributes 80% to completing your objectives should be prioritized over the others.

If you don’t prioritize, you may spend the whole day finishing 80% of your tasks when in the long run, they contribute a miserly 20% to your goals.

Most important tasks first, followed by the second most important.

The task that least contributes to your goals should be at the bottom of the list and quite frankly, can be overlooked.

3. Avoid Multitasking.

One thing at a time.

One of the biggest myths we believed true was that, ‘Multitasking was for smart people.’

And so each time we multitask, it validates our smart and intelligent brains.

But the truth is, it kills productivity.

Multitasking is the Jack of all trades. Which goes without saying that it is also a master of none.

Rather than multitask, commit yourself to completing one task before taking on another one.

4. Set a Time Limit For Each Task.

Your daily plan should come with a time limit for each task.

Your day has a time limit – 24 hours. It is expedient that your tasks carry one too.

And as much as possible, don’t let one task impinge on the other. Focus on completing that task within the time allocated for it.

5. Set Aside Time For Your Distractions.

I know you were expecting me to tell you, ‘Avoid distractions.’

Yes, that is when you are carrying out a task. Avoid all forms of distraction, create an ambient environment to maximize time and focus.

But after all is said and done, set a time for those distractions you avoided.

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

These distractions are like rewards for sticking to your plan. They help you relieve stress and make you happy.

Distractions can be your hobbies, friends, outings, e.t.c. Set time aside for them.

6. Learn To Say “No“

I talked about this in my previous article. “How to say no – setting healthy boundaries.”

All your planning will be dust if you can’t say ‘no’ to a friend when he or she comes at a time you’ve allotted for a task.

Productivity requires you to learn how to say ‘No’ when it’s not convenient for you and your daily schedule.

It doesn’t make you rude or a bad person. Instead, it means you respect yourself and your time.

Learn to say ‘No’ if it can’t fit into your daily schedule and if it is not an emergency.

7. Have A Routine.

To be successful in managing your time, you need to establish a routine.

• Wake up at the same time each day;
• Go to bed at the same time every day;
• Block out time for your most productive tasks for the day.

Make it a habit.

The human body loves routine and habits. If you always sleep and wake up at a particular time, the body gets used to it and makes it easier for you to continue doing so.

If you are in your workspace at a particular time, it becomes a routine the body adapts to and makes it easier for you.

In managing your time, set a routine. Don’t just go with the flow. Set the flow to suit your needs and goals.

In summary,

Time management is indispensable for productivity. It is a skill everyone should have.

It may be tedious at the beginning. But your daily schedule shouldn’t be rigid.

You can adjust and tweak the details to suit your needs. Being comfortable is also key to productivity.

Don’t overload your day with a million tasks that you are always exhausted climbing your bed. Create time and activities that relieves stress.

Remember the 80/20 rule.

You may not end up doing everything you’ve set out to do for that day. But make sure the 20% that makes up 80% of your objectives are done and dusted. Start managing your time and take back control of your life.