Seize the clock: 6 time management techniques to keep you on track

Always feel like there just isn't enough time? Take control of the day by using one of these 6 proven time management techniques that will help you get on track.

These methods won't just be helping you at work. Keeping your time managed during work hours means less late hours and last-minute changes and more free time for doing the things you love

Why 6?

Every person is different; different needs, different working styles, different productivity issues. You need to find the one that works just for you:

Find yourself drifting from your tasks?

For the easily-distracted: Pomodoro Technique

How it works:

1. Choose a task

2. Set a timer for 25 minutes & work without distractions

4. Take a 5 minute break & step away

5. Repeat the process 4 times

6. Take a 20 - 30 minute break

7. Repeat!

Not sure where to start?

For leadership positions: The Eisenhower Matrix

Start by considering:

- Priority

- Deadlines

- Your team

- Time required

And split your tasks into this Important-Urgent matrix. Start with Urgent & Important and work your way through.

Need to stay accountable?

For people who work best under pressure: Parkinson's Law

Parkinson's Law: Less time = More effort needed        

Choose a task and give it a hard deadline. To make sure you stick to it, apply some time pressure: schedule a meeting with a coworker for that deadline or unplug your laptop and work until it dies – keep firm with consequences.

Love color coding and have a lot on your plate?

For the busy bees: Time Blocking

How it works:

1. Break your day into 30-minute time blocks

2. Assign each of your tasks (personal & professional) a time frame

- Don't forget to consider buffer time & breaks!

3. Assign each task a time block

4. Work on that task ONLY in that block

Feel like your list of tasks is never-ending?

For overwhelming schedules: Getting Things Done Method

How it works:

1. Write down all your tasks (personal & professional)

2. Separate tasks into Actionable (To do's) & Later (To don'ts)

3. List all the tasks into a checklist with the Actionable first

4. Check off tasks as you go

5. Review as you go

Dreading a specific task?

For long-term projects: Eat the Frog

“Eat a live frog the first thing in the morning and nothing worse 
will happen to you the rest of the day.” - Mark Twain        

How it works:

1. Break down your project into small tasks

2. Choose the hardest one and start your day with it

3. Feel relieved that it's done!

4. Finish the lighter work now

Have you tried any of these techniques? Which ones have worked for you? Which ones haven't? Let us know in the comments.

Make sure to share this with a co-worker you know will benefit from this information.