How can you manage your time and priorities with a changing schedule?

I agree, and not to be totally dependent on calendars, we need to unlock the power of our residual unclaimed memory, and remember things Practising mind exercises will go a long way to reduce dependence on technology, and awaken your inner strengths

Use a Planner or Calendar A planner or calendar is a fundamental tool for time management, especially when dealing with a changing schedule. Here's how to make the most of it: Digital vs. Physical: You can choose between a digital calendar (like Google Calendar or Outlook) or a physical planner. Digital calendars offer the advantage of accessibility across devices and the ability to set reminders, while physical planners can help some people feel more connected to their schedule. Schedule Everything: Include all commitments, appointments, deadlines, and even personal activities like workouts or family time. By having everything in one place, you can get a comprehensive view of your schedule.

In a sea of change, anchors provide stability. When my schedule is in flux, I personally rely on few non-negotiables or 'anchors' in my day. 1. Prioritize Daily Non-negotiables: Identify 1-3 tasks that you commit to completing daily, regardless of schedule changes. 2. Time Block for Anchors: Carve out specific times in your day for these non-negotiables. Even if everything else shifts, these blocks remain constant. 3. Use Anchors as Pivot Points: When unexpected changes arise, use your anchors as pivot points to restructure your day. By creating and maintaining these anchors, you not only ensure that essential tasks are taken care of, but you also provide your mind with a sense of stability, resilience, and routine.

Well, even with the changing schedules, what doesn't change is the priority assigned to each task at hand. Hence, go with the ones first that demands your attention and complete the other tasks later as not prioritizing them won't cost you much.

Another great tool is time-blocking (a term I didn't coin but has stuck with me). Time-blocking can be as passive as naming the activity or goal of an allotment of time in your calendar or as practical and tangible as setting an alarm for a period of time to work on a project or deadline. Both have helped me immensely when working to focus on a project or learning a new skill.

A tip to manage your time in hectic schedule is to "Eat the frog". Start your day with the most important task. It is likely to be also the hardest and require most of your energy. If you have time for only one thing, this has to be it. If you finish it, the rest of your day will go smooth because you will already feel a sense of accomplishment. If you need the whole day, you will still feel you made the right choice. Avoid distractions while you work on this task. Prioritize ruthlessly.

A tip to prioritization would be using the effort to value ratio. Effort and values can be categorized on a 5 point scale where you arrive at a final scoring with Value - Effort. A task with a positive value to effort ratio would be prioritized versus a task with a negative value to effort ratio.

I always use the Eisenhower matrix. It really helps me to define priorities, what to delegate and what to delete altogether. I do my planning each Monday and spend time on a Friday to reflect ready for the following week.

Use SMART Technique. it never fails. you goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Ratably Overtime, Timebound. Think of them as what you really can do with the time you have.

Practice time management techniques. This includes setting deadlines, creating to-do lists, and using time-blocking to allocate specific time slots for each task. Use tools like timers, alarms, and productivity apps to stay on track and avoid procrastination. Learn to say no to non-essential tasks or requests that don't align with your goals or priorities. Take breaks and prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and maintain productivity. Finally, regularly evaluate your time management strategies and adjust them as needed to optimize your performance.

It's not just about being open to change. Business' and leaders also need to ensure the "flip flopping" isn't extreme as the uncertainty will add stress and inefficiencies.

Change what you can control, what you can't create a plan. Flexibility does not mean to say yes to everything. It meas to bend time in favour of a higher goal. Don't be a schedule freak.

Some people may argue that being flexible and adaptable to a changing schedule is not only a practical necessity but also an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Embracing change can lead to new experiences, skills, and a more dynamic career. It allows you to stay relevant in an ever-evolving work environment and can be an exciting challenge. Furthermore, by being open to learning new skills and taking on new challenges, you can boost your job satisfaction and career prospects.

Everyone is subjected to down times and it is crucial to recognize and acknowledge this as an individual. When you are feeling overwhelmed, step aside from the situation and focus on your wellbeing, state of mind along with any physical indicators of stress. Indulge in a hobby or a tangible source of comfort.

Know yourself. If you're having "one of those days" be gently, reassess your day and tasks and come back stronger. Burning yourself out will not be good for you or the organisation.

The trees in the nature, received water, then grow, received sun, then grow, receive minerals from the soil, then grow. This is the balance you need seek for the light the souce of your energy, then grow. :o)

I believe that work-life balance is not just a luxury but a necessity for overall well-being. I always emphasize on Monday′s meetings with my team, that maintaining a healthy balance is crucial for physical and mental health, as well as building strong relationships with family and friends. Eventually, you will realize that a harmonious work-life balance can actually enhance job performance by reducing stress and promoting a more focused and motivated approach to work.

Having an external coach or mentor really helps this - somebody to hold a mirror up, hold you to account and offer guidance in a safe and empathetic space.

After the storm, comes the calm.... reflexion of daily actions make you strong, and better person. The act of set back and reflect specially in stressfull changing enviroments is a mastery of those who know what's best in life and in work.

I am a fan of Continuous Improvement. I see regular review and reflection as an essential part of personal and career growth. I believe in being critical of our performance and always seeking ways to improve. Setting goals and tracking progress is a fundamental aspect of success. This constant evaluation and self-awareness are seen as the keys to achieving higher levels of achievement and job satisfaction.

This is something I firmly believe we never stop doing, and we always keep learning on how to improve in all our areas, and something that I practice to keep improving my time management is read articles or books, so I can gather different technics, but not only that, I also learn from my managers, my leaders and mentors, I take the time to see how they do it and ask them how can I improve.

In my experiences, priority shifts and time scarcity usually are a tandem. What I usually do is create some schedule anchors. These are “almost” immovable times I set to ensure my productivity and balance remains consistent and withstands any changes to priorities and schedules. You want to manage to constant and address the fluctuations as needed.