Understanding, Benefits, and How to Implement Productive Time Management

When engaging in daily activities, there are many things that need to be accomplished. It's not just work, but also daily routines, planning, and entertainment. The more tasks that need to be done, the harder it becomes to divide time between one task and another. Often, it feels like wanting more than 24 hours in a day.

This is certainly impossible. Time cannot be bought. Therefore, what should be done is good time management. This has become a qualification that is also needed by large companies. So, time management should not only be understood theoretically but also practiced in daily life.

Understanding Time Management

Time management is the process of planning several activities that must be completed within a certain timeframe. In general, the concept of management referred to is aimed at organization and planning. However, there are several experts who also define time management into the following philosophies.

1. Craig Jarrow

This author, who is active on social media, started his career by writing the blog Time Management Ninja. His philosophy emphasizes that time management is a skill, a habit, and tools that are learned properly to control professional and personal life.

2. Benjamin Franklin

The inventions of this figure are probably very well-known. However, Benjamin Franklin always made a schedule of activities that relentlessly balanced work, rest, and self-reflection. For him, time management starts with waking up early and working hard, but also setting aside time for meals, socializing, and engaging in entertainment activities.

3. Marie Curie

Despite the death of Marie Curie from exposure to her own radium, this Nobel laureate left behind a principle of time management without drama. Her principle prioritizes not getting caught up in gossip, always keeping a detailed journal, and forgetting past achievements. Marie Curie ensured that her scientific contributions were not influenced by what people said about her.

Benefits of Time Management

Why is good time management important? Unconsciously, many people may already be accustomed to this planning. However, the need for time management usually arises when facing difficulties. Here are the benefits that can be gained if time management is done well.

1. More Productive and Efficient

When time management is done well, a person will become more productive in their activities. No deadlines are missed or tasks left unfinished. Both the to-do list at work and laundry at home can be completed on time.

2. Increases Professionalism

A person who works productively will be able to show positive achievements in their life. Productivity can not only be felt by oneself but also seen by others. This will foster an attitude of professionalism. It is not impossible that this will benefit one's career or respect from colleagues.

3. Reduces Stress

If everything can be done regularly, a person will become accustomed to facing problems. Good time management allows anyone to determine strategies according to the goals they want to achieve. With this step, the pressure of work and daily activities will decrease, thus avoiding stress.

4. More Opportunities to Achieve Goals

If one has successfully implemented good time management, life achievements can also be realized more quickly. In this case, the list of achievements may be completed one by one. It is not impossible that more opportunities will come knocking. Thus, personal development can be done even better.

How to Implement Time Management

Starting to feel the need to improve oneself to gain the benefits of time management? It's time to evaluate daily routines. Time management can be done by anyone. The most important thing is to get used to it consistently so that time management does not feel burdensome.

1. Set Goals to Achieve

What do you want to achieve when implementing time management? This can be determined not only when someone is facing problems. The goals set can be things to avoid while engaging in daily activities. However, these goals must be established from the beginning so that the effectiveness of time management can be felt well.

Realizing the importance of time management and striving to improve it is a good start. Whether wanting to minimize personal or professional problems or wanting to enhance achievements in a career. This will encourage oneself to achieve the desired work-life balance.

2. Find Your Ideal Time Management

Everyone has different rhythms and habits of activity. Many people say that doing activities and working hard in the morning is the right time. This can be tried, but do not force it to have an immediate impact.

For those who are not used to it, it may take time to adjust. It is important to prioritize your activities first. After that, determine the duration and the right time to work on them.

3. Evaluate Achievements Every Week

There may be changes in routine when trying to implement good time management. This can be evaluated at the end of each week. Start by making a list of things that have been completed, then introspect on the list of activities that have not been achieved.

If important priorities have been completed according to plan, it means time management has improved. At the same time, try not to put too much pressure on yourself regarding the achievements made. This can trigger stress and reduce focus.

4. Reduce Bad Habits

Are there goals that have not been achieved even after improving time management? Take a deep breath and try to be honest with yourself. There may be some habits that have not been changed and affect the achievement of goals.

If you are easily distracted by messages or notifications on your phone, use digital wellbeing tools to reduce your activities on social media or games. Another common occurrence is being too engrossed in group chat conversations. So, utilize features to mute notifications when you want to focus on activities.

5. Take Regular Breaks While Working

Still feeling pressured and tired after making some changes to your activities? Don't despair; perhaps your time management needs a process. Time management not only needs to be done with discipline but also balanced with the routines being performed.

When work is abundant, the priority list may become longer. However, remind yourself to take a break while engaging in activities. This makes both the body and mind more prepared for the next activity. Get into the habit of taking breaks based on duration, for example, every 1-2 hours.

Let's start small changes that feel suitable for better time management. Change does not always have to be an increase in results or abilities. If problems or stress have decreased, it means one has successfully gone through the process.

Author: Rizkita Darajat