Learning to Manage Time:
Techniques and tools for effective time management, prioritization, and goal-setting.
As an aspiring project manager, one of the most important skills you need to develop is effective time management. The ability to prioritize tasks, set goals, and manage your schedule can be the difference between success and failure in your career. In this blog, we will explore some techniques and tools for learning to manage time effectively.
Series
This blog is from a series of the 12 things you MUST master, to be the BEST, Project Manager, I just wish someone wrote them out for me at the start of my career.
First things First
Firstly, it’s important to understand the concept of time management. It’s not about managing time itself – time is a finite resource that can’t be controlled. Rather, it’s about managing yourself and your actions within the time you have available. This requires a combination of focus, discipline, and organization.
To-Do-List
One of the most useful tools for time management is the “to-do list”. This simple tool allows you to list all of the tasks you need to complete and prioritize them based on their importance and urgency. You can use a physical notebook or a digital app to create your to-do list. Some popular options include Todoist, Trello, and Asana.
Pomodoro Technique
Another useful technique for time management is the “Pomodoro Technique”. This technique involves breaking your work into 25-minute intervals, with short breaks in between. The idea is to work on a single task for the entire 25-minute period, then take a break to refresh your mind before starting the next task. This technique can be helpful for staying focused and avoiding distractions.
Short-term and Long term Goal Setting: SMARTER+
In addition to tools and techniques, effective time management also requires goal-setting. Setting clear, measurable goals helps you stay focused and motivated. When setting goals, it’s important to make them specific, realistic, and achievable within a certain time frame. You can use the SMARTER+ framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, Evaluate, Reward, + = Stretch) to guide your goal-setting process.
Self Awareness
Finally, effective time management requires discipline and self-awareness. It’s important to recognize your own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to time management and develop strategies that work for you. This might involve delegating tasks to others, saying no to unnecessary commitments, or setting aside time for self-care and relaxation.
Key Takeaways
In summary, learning to manage time effectively is an essential skill for any aspiring project manager. By using tools and techniques like to-do lists and the Pomodoro Technique, setting clear goals, and developing discipline and self-awareness, you can improve your time management skills and set yourself up for success in your career.
Thought Leaders
Effective time management, prioritization, and goal-setting are crucial skills for any project manager to possess. To stretch the understanding of young aspiring professionals in this area, it is important to reference some of the best thinkers in this space.
One of the foremost experts in time management is Stephen Covey. In his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” Covey emphasizes the importance of proactive time management, focusing on the things that matter most, and identifying and prioritizing important goals.
Another influential author in this area is David Allen, whose book “Getting Things Done” has become a classic in the field of productivity and time management. Allen’s approach emphasizes the importance of clearing mental clutter and breaking tasks down into manageable pieces. He also stresses the importance of keeping a detailed to-do list and regularly reviewing it to stay on track.
In contrast to Covey and Allen’s emphasis on individual time management techniques, Laura Vanderkam’s book “168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think” takes a broader perspective, looking at how to use the 168 hours we all have in a week to achieve our goals. Vanderkam argues that effective time management involves aligning our time with our values and priorities, rather than simply trying to cram more into each day.
What separates Great from Good
Ultimately, what separates great time managers from good ones is not just the techniques they use, but their ability to identify and prioritize what matters most, set realistic goals, and stay focused on what is important. By cultivating these skills and adopting the best techniques for managing their time, aspiring project managers can set themselves up for success in the field.
Get it Done – Read More
here are some book recommendations for effective time management, prioritization, and goal-setting:
- “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity” by David Allen
- “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change” by Stephen R. Covey
- “Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time” by Brian Tracy
- “Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World” by Cal Newport
I hope these recommendations are helpful!
