TIME MANAGEMENT AS AN ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT FOR SUCCESS

Time Management refers to managing time effectively so that the right time is allocated to the right activity. Effective time management allows individuals to assign specific time slots to activities as per their importance. It is the technique to use one’s time efficiently so as to make the most of it. Efficient time management increases your productivity improves your quality of work and also helps reduce stress. One who can manage his time resourcefully by utilising Do; Delay, Delegate, and Drop technique is a real winner.

Never give in to urgency syndrome, neglecting what is truly important. Since we all get the same 24 hours, why is it that some people achieve SO MUCH in this time and some achieve NOTHING? One must apply a suitable methodology to ascertain the optimum use of time. “Good time management is a personal skill for managing oneself, one’s work and the work of others”

Importance of Time Management. It is rightly said.” Either you run the day or the day runs you”. This is true for people from all spheres of life. Whether you are a student, a corporate employee or a homemaker, you must manage your time efficiently to accomplish your tasks systematically. Time management is important as: - Time is limited and needs optimum use, requires quality decision-making for efficiency, reduces stress levels by planning and prioritising for better output, No multitasking to avoid confusion and chaos and a good time management technique for greater productivity.

Obstacles to effective Time Management:- Lack of clarity on Objectives /goals, Unorganised work resulting in chaos and confusion, Inability to say NO, Overloading of work and no prioritisation plan, Stress and fatigue, Disinterest in work and Indecisiveness.

Tips to Manage Time Efficiently Start Early. It is always better to begin your day a little early so that you have more time to invest in productive activities. However, it is essential to have 7-8 hours of sleep each day

Prepare a To-Do List. The first stage of improving your time management is to list absolutely everything that you have to do. List your tasks based on your priority and begin accomplishing them one after the other as per priority.

Assign Time to Your Tasks. Whether it’s a pin-up planner, a timetable or a calendar on your phone, find an organizing tool that works well for you and add your list of priorities to it. Assign time to each of the tasks on your list and make sure you complete them within the set time.

Be Flexible but Realistic:Typically, Allow Around 8-10 hours a day for working, studying playing, socializing and anything else practical you need to do. It’s also important to remember that things often take longer than expected. So, Allow a little extra time in case you spend longer on a task than you thought you would. Taking the time to research, plan and think about your work is crucial for good time management.

Avoid Procrastination and Distraction. The two most important words for time mana g ement are: No and Now. For action- ‘Now’ is the time and so avoiding procrastination is the best option: For distraction- ‘No’ is the right word. One way to avoid procrastination is to identify the place where you are most focused and least distracted.

Take Breaks and Exercise to Clear Your Head in Between Work Sessions. Don’t rush from task to task. Give yourself some time in between to unwind and begin the next task with greater motivation. Believe it or not, exercise works in the same way sleep does. It can focus your state of mind, helping you clear your head and boost your brain power in between work sessions.

Eat Healthily. It is essential to have a well-balanced diet in order to stay energized all through the day and make the most of the time you have.

Review and Realign. Constantly reviewing and reassessing your schedule can help you to recognize whether you need to make any changes or realign in order to help you complete any tasks and also have time to relax and spend time with friends with a family.

Time management is easier said than done. It takes a lot of dedication and determination to stay focused and follows the schedule one has set to manage time efficiently. However, once you master this art you are sure to succeed. It might appear simple but managing time efficiently calls for qualitative output from individuals. It calls for selfdiscipline and constant reminder of the importance of accomplishing tasks in a timely manner.

The great dividing line between success and failure can be expressed in five words: “I did not have time.” Franklin Field