Need help with a packed schedule? Read this!
It is challenging to develop and practice good time management skills in this fast-paced, high-demand environment. Anyone who works in a time-sensitive environment will tell you that they wish there were more hours in the day. But adding a second to the day isn’t realistic. However, it is possible to manage your packed schedule better and finish tasks on time by learning effective time management techniques.
No two days are the same in any industry, particularly in the IT field. More than half of my career has been spent in leadership roles in the IT industry. I have realized that escalation happens inevitably so a time management plan can be tossed out the window in a blink of an eye. Consider, for instance, a cyber threat against critical infrastructure.
These days, IT security personnel are working overtime without a doubt. As a result, cyber burnout is on the rise as well. It is worth asking the question of the role proper time management could play in eliminating burnout. IT personnel are used to threats here and there, but the attack surfaces have multiplied, making it more challenging to settle down. As a result, it is even more challenging to maintain a good time management plan and achieve success. Any time management plan would need to be either reframed or thrown out the window entirely to meet a specific deadline. A similar situation exists with the Covid 19 pandemic in the healthcare industry.
Despite this, we struggle to manage our time well even during our regular working hours without any global catastrophe. With so many tasks and responsibilities, getting things done can sometimes be challenging. Even though I don’t always get it right (nobody does), I have learned a great deal through my various experiences and research using multiple online applications and tools. In this capacity, I share what I have learned with you, hoping my insights will benefit you.
As the boundaries between the physical, digital, and biological worlds blurred in the 4th Industrial Revolution, productivity levels changed fundamentally. As a result, our approach to time management has consequently altered.
You will be overwhelmed by the number of online suggestions when searching for time management tips and tools. Even though most of them are useful, cutting through the clutter can be challenging. According to my experience, choosing which is suitable for you depends on the industry in which you work, your personal preferences, and the people on your team. Here are a few techniques you can use to manage your schedule better:
· There is no one size fits all approach to time management. Many practical ideas can be found through a simple search. However, it is imperative to realize that not all of these will be appropriate for you. Find out what works best for you by trying out the options you have found. It is advisable to start by identifying your work style and habits.
· You can make the most of your peak performance time if you know when it is and when it isn’t. For example, my business partner is a morning person. He prefers having meetings in the morning as he is more alert and energized. On the other hand, I am more of a night owl. We, therefore, created a plan that places our responsibilities during the time of day when we are most productive. To effectively manage your time, you need to recognize your most productive time and design your tasks around it.
· Many of us are perfectionists (or try to be). It’s okay not to be flawless. However, it can be detrimental to your productivity if you are a perfectionist, and it can also impact your performance. There is nothing wrong with setting high standards, but paying unnecessary attention to needless details can result in procrastination.
· Learn from your mistakes and set realistic goals. By identifying your weaknesses, you can learn about your time management style. By knowing yourself better, you can make better choices. Finally, remember that it is impossible to get everything done.
· Learn which tools are best suited to your needs. Then, when you use a tool you are comfortable with, you can navigate it quickly to complete your task on time.
· Take note of what you do that works and what doesn’t.
· Seek feedback from others. Two eyes are better than one. In this case, the people around you, whether they are your family, friends, or colleagues, can best point out your mistakes and help you make informed decisions about how to manage your time more effectively.
This process may take some time, but you will see positive results if you are patient.
Cheers!
