7 ways to take back your time

We all face the challenge of limited resources and time. However, with the right strategies and tools, it’s possible to work more productively and efficiently, and master your time.

Research shows high performing people are 400% more productive than those who achieve average performance1. So, what are the best doing that the rest are not? Let’s look at seven ways to become more productive and reclaim your time. It could be a personal productivity game-changer.

1. Know your MIT

Identify your ‘Most Important Task’ (MIT) for each day. To pinpoint your MIT, understand the return on the investment of your time. Consider whether completing a task will advance your primary goals – then focus on getting it done.

2. Delegate

Trying to micro-manage every aspect of your life will suck up oodles of time. Know what you’re good at, focus on it, and have trust in those you delegate to.

3. Tap into tech

Are outdated tools and personal organisation strategies holding you back? High performers use the right resources to maximise their productivity. This can include technology such as productivity apps and automation tools. 

Beware though, tech can also be a time thief. Rather than responding immediately to every beep, ping or vibration, highly productive people schedule a set time to read and respond to messages and emails.

4. Learn to say "no"

High performers learn to say "no" to tasks and activities that do not align with their goals or values. By saying "no," they can focus on their top priorities and avoid overcommitting their time and energy.

5. Try the Friday afternoon ROAR process

By Friday afternoon most of us are ready to down tools. However, in his book “Smart Work”, author Dermot Crowley suggests completing the following ‘ROAR’ process each Friday before hanging up your work boots for the week:

• Review the week – reschedule incomplete tasks and look through meeting notes for any actions you need to add to your calendar the following week.
• Organise next week – schedule, plan and prepare.
• Anticipate – check your calendar to know what the next 3-4 weeks will bring. In particular, identify and plan for upcoming deadlines.
• Realign – take a moment to look back at the week, and how well you have worked towards your objectives and key results.
  

Find the time management technique that works for you

High performers make the most of their time by employing proven time-management techniques. These can include:

• Time-blocking – divide your day into blocks of time, each dedicated to accomplishing a specific task.
• The Pomodoro technique – divide your time into intervals (or ‘pomodoros’), typically 25 minutes in length. Separate each interval with a short break. It’s a technique used by many time management apps.
• The Eisenhower matrix – provides a 4-square matrix that identifies urgent, important and non-essential tasks as well as those that can be delegated (Time Management Tool review our version).

7. Ditch the distractions

Distractions kill productivity. Start each day with your goals in mind. Stay organised, and resist the urge to succumb to distractions like checking social media. It’ll steal your time – and take you longer to regain concentration.

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i. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1744-6570.2011.01239.x

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article does not constitute advice. The information is of a general nature only and does not take into account your individual situation. It should not be used, relied upon, or treated as a substitute for specific professional advice. We recommend that you contact Brentnalls SA before making any decision to discuss your particular requirements or circumstances.