"Why do others get more done than me in the same amount of time?" The answer to this question, which you might be asking yourself, is effective time management. We'll show you 10 ways to use your time more wisely and work more productively. Most people have simply convinced themselves for far too long that life must be hard. They've accepted the fact that you just have to toil from nine to five in exchange for a (sometimes) relaxing weekend and the occasional vacation. With effective time management, however, we promise you 'more time, more money, more life': Don't work harder, work smarter!
9 ways to use your time more meaningfully
1. Say "no"
Not everyone can say "no," especially not without feeling guilty. But the word "no" is the best way to simplify your life and immediately gain more time. If you don't feel like doing something, just say "no." You are the architect of your life; if you don't shape it, others will.
2. Create an omission list
This is one of the most important pieces of advice for effective self-organization . You shouldn't do more, but less. List what's eating up your time the most and cross it out. Examples: - Stop checking emails every hour, but only in the morning and afternoon. - Stop browsing aimlessly, etc.
3. Get up earlier
"The early bird catches the worm" and "the early bird catches the worm"—as the saying goes. Of course, this is difficult for some, but if you want to lead an inspiring and creative life, you can't avoid it. Why? All other obligations (work, family, sports) are still dormant, and you have time for yourself and for what's important.
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4. Stay away from social media
Even though everyone has probably noticed it by now, social media (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc.) are among the biggest time-wasters of our time. Use your time wisely instead, for example, to reflect. Don't be a consumer; instead, be creative.
5. Hands off your cell phone
Cell phones also often distract us from our thoughts. Why not simply be unreachable for a while, especially after work or on vacation? Many problems aren't necessary; they resolve themselves. "Hands off your cell phone" is also a form of stress management, which you can learn more about in our article "Stress Coping and Stress Management."
6. Plan the next week on Friday
Don't just leave work on Friday and head off into the weekend. Work ahead and plan for the next week on Friday afternoon, if possible. Friday afternoon is a great time for thinking. Your colleagues may already be off work, and you can take advantage of the quiet office space to develop new ideas.
7. Be antisocial sometimes
You don't have to chase every hype. Dare to be alone every now and then, and stand apart, figuratively speaking. Enjoy the peace and quiet and take a deep breath; ideas will just flow.
8. Pomodoro Method
A helpful time management method is the Pomodoro method . A technique that involves working in 25-minute time periods. Developed in the 1980s by the Italian Francesco Cirillo, it is designed to help you use your time more efficiently and thus work more productively.
The Pomodoro method consists of the following five steps:
- Formulate your tasks in writing.
- Set an alarm for 25 minutes.
- Work on your task until the alarm goes off.
- Then take a 5-minute break.
- After the fourth time unit, take a longer break of about 20 minutes.
Dividing your time into time units actually helps increase productivity, as you're reaching your goal and aiming to complete the work you've set. Once a time unit is completed, you should cross it off your list. This gives you a sense of accomplishment and increases motivation.
However, for this method to work successfully, you should first ask yourself what factors are preventing you from working productively. What interruptions hold you back the most? Do you often get distracted by external factors like phone calls or emails, or do you often let your mind wander?
The goal of the Pomodoro method is to minimize interruptions as much as possible to ensure concentration during each work session. Therefore, you should note down interruptions to gain an overview of time-wasters and be able to work on them more effectively.
9. Separate yourself from naysayers
Negative talkers are people who drag you down with their negative talk, whining, and complaining. They're the people who tell you your dream will never come true. Cut yourself off from them; they only waste valuable time and energy.
