If you are a working professional who basically is a desk jockey doing 9–5 job, with schooling kids plus you need to keep fit( blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels are high and GP conveniently say you should get more exercise) time management sounds far from reality. You may not have time to sit down and to think about time management. Welcome to life with kids/jobs/ health and commitments ( or rather reality of mid life ). Few tips and tricks which might help you but not the cool aid to solve all your time related problems.
Write down a to do list
OK, you knew this from all the self-help books, courses you read for last 10 years. But this is the most simple time management tool. Simply take a note book and put the date and put a line in the middle of the page. Left hand side is for all the things in the office you have to do and the right hand side is for all the personal matters you have to attend. Now prioritization. Simple, eat the frog first. Hard, must do things first and then low hanging fruits. Cross it off once you finish and things you can’t complete will go to tomorrow's list.
Use your commute time wisely
If you are using public transport, this is much needed ‘your time’. Zero distractions. Try to get in to your train or bus from where you can get a seat. Invest in a good phone (or a tablet) and good Bluetooth, noise cancelling headphone. You can finish your audio-books, online courses easily (and may be downloaded Netflix TV series as well)
If you are driving, listen to that podcast using car audio system rather than listening to your Spotify playlist or commercial radio.
If you work close by get a bike and ride to work or run/walk (if weather permits) You can tick off your active minutes or steps target easily and freely.
If you are doing 'coffee runs' when at office, great. Pick a coffee spot bit far away from your work place and walk. Try to get a loyalty card from the coffee shop and you may get free coffee after 5 or 10 coffees plus steps in your Fit-bit.
Maintain an updated calendar in your phone
'Updated' is the key. Enter all the appointments with appropriate reminders. Before you say 'Yes' to anything always check your calendar. Reminders are key to avoid any last minute plan changes. Send these reminders to your partner as well. If you have kids with lot of extra curricular activities(Swimming lessons, Ballet lessons etc.) , reminders will ease off your pressure by preparing you subconsciously that you have something this evening to attend.
Time is the biggest constraint in middle ages of life for most. If we become stingy with time and we can get most out of it to do what we really like to do. How good is to go to a park with your kids in the evening and play. So what’s your schedule look like today? Mine, still crossing off my to do list. Article to be written regarding time management “done” moving to next one.
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