How can you use successful people's time management techniques?

1 Set SMART goals

The first step to managing your time effectively is to have clear and specific goals that you want to accomplish. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, and it is a framework that can help you define and track your progress. For example, instead of saying "I want to write a book", you can say "I want to write a 50,000-word fiction novel by the end of the year". This way, you can break down your goal into smaller and more manageable tasks, and measure your performance along the way.

2 Plan your day ahead

Another common technique among successful people is to plan their day in advance, preferably the night before or early in the morning. This helps them avoid distractions, prioritize their most important tasks, and allocate their time and energy accordingly. You can use a calendar, a planner, or an app to schedule your activities, and make sure to include some buffer time for unexpected events or emergencies. You can also review your plan at the end of the day and reflect on what worked and what didn't, and make adjustments for the next day.

3 Apply the 80/20 rule

The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, states that 80% of the results come from 20% of the efforts. This means that you should focus on the tasks that have the most impact and value, and eliminate or delegate the ones that are less important or urgent. For example, you can identify the top three priorities that will move you closer to your goals, and dedicate most of your time and attention to them. You can also use tools like the Eisenhower matrix or the ABCDE method to rank your tasks based on their importance and urgency.

4 Use the Pomodoro technique

The Pomodoro technique is a simple and effective way to boost your productivity and concentration. It involves working on a task for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break, and repeating this cycle four times before taking a longer break. The idea is to create a sense of urgency and focus, while avoiding burnout and fatigue. You can use a timer, a clock, or an app to track your Pomodoros, and reward yourself with something enjoyable during your breaks. You can also adjust the length of your work and break intervals according to your preferences and needs.

5 Limit your email and social media use

One of the biggest time wasters in the modern world is email and social media. While they can be useful and beneficial for communication and information, they can also be addictive and distracting, and interfere with your workflow and creativity. Successful people know how to limit their email and social media use, and set boundaries for when and how they check them. For example, you can designate specific times during the day to check your email and social media, and turn off your notifications or use a blocker app when you need to focus on a task. You can also unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters, unfollow irrelevant accounts, and delete unused apps.

6 Learn to say no

Finally, one of the most powerful time management techniques is to learn to say no. Saying no can help you protect your time, energy, and resources, and avoid overcommitting or pleasing others at the expense of your own goals and well-being. Successful people know how to say no gracefully and respectfully, and communicate their reasons and boundaries clearly. For example, you can say no to a request or an invitation by thanking the person, explaining why you can't do it, and offering an alternative or a compromise if possible.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?