Time management is basically about being focused. The Pareto Principle, also known as the ’80:20 Rule’ states that 80% of efforts that are not time managed or unfocused, generates only 20% of the desired output. However, 80% of the desired output can be generated using only 20% of the time well-managed effort. Although the ratio ’80:20′ is only arbitrary, it is used to emphasize how much can be gained with time management. 

Some people view time management as a list of rules that involves scheduling appointments, goal settings, thorough planning, creating things-to-do lists and prioritizing. These are the core basics of time management that should be understood to develop efficient personal skills. These basic skills can be fine-tuned further to include the finer points of each skill that can give you that extra reserve to make the results you desire.

But there are more skills involved in time management than the core basics. Skills such as decision making, inherent abilities such as emotional intelligence and critical thinking are also essential to your personal growth.

Personal time management involves everything you do. No matter how big or small something is, I can guarantee you, everything counts. For every new knowledge you acquire, advice or a skill you develop should be taken into consideration. 

Having a balanced lifestyle should be the key result in having personal time management. This is the main aspect that many practitioners of personal time management fail to grasp. 

Time management is about getting results, not about being busy.

How Time Management Enhances Your Life

The six areas that personal time management seeks to improve in anyone’s life are physical, intellectual, social, career, emotional and spiritual.

The physical aspect involves having a healthy body, less stress, and fatigue.

The intellectual aspect involves learning and other mental growth activities.

The social aspect involves developing personal or intimate relations and being an active contributor to society.

The career aspect involves school and work.

The emotional aspect involves appropriate feelings, desires and ensuring you manifesting them. 

The spiritual aspect involves a personal quest for meaning.

Thoroughly planning and having a to-do list for each of the key areas may not be very practical, but determining which area in your life is not giving enough attention is part of time management. Each area creates the whole you, and if you ignore one them, you interfere with other areas of your life.

Personal time management should not be so daunting a task. It is a very sensible and reasonable approach to solving problems big or small. 

A great way of learning time management and improving your personal life is to follow the basic activities below. 

One of them is to review your goals, whether it be immediate or long-term goals often. 

A way to do this is to keep a list that is always accessible to you.

Always determine which task is necessary or not necessary in achieving your goals and which activities are helping you maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Every one of us has a peek time and a time when we slow down; these are our natural cycles. We should be able to tell when to do the difficult tasks when we are the sharpest.

I am learning to say “No”. You see this advice often. Heed it even if it involves saying the word to family or friends. 

Pat yourself at the back or reward yourself whenever you achieve time management results. Why? Not many get it the right way. 

Try and get the cooperation from people around you who are actually benefiting from your efforts in time management.

Don’t procrastinate, attend to necessary things immediately. 

Have a positive attitude and set yourself up for success. But be realistic in your approach to achieving your goals.

Have a record or journal of all your activities. This will help you get things in their proper perspective.

These are the few steps you initially take in becoming a well-rounded individual.

As they say, personal time management is the art and science of building a better life. 

When you integrate management skills into your life, you open several options that can provide a broad spectrum of solutions to your personal growth. It also opens more doors and opportunities to knock on.

Conclusion

Time management allows you to achieve more results within a very short period. Also, you get more of your free time, the proper focus, less stress, and career success.

If you have any word to add, let me hear it in the comment. Until next post, cheers

Magbè Savané