A world expert in effective planning, goal setting and business management, owner of the BogushTime training company - a leader in innovative education in time management.
I have always been interested in how to help successful people become even more successful and manage everything - develop in their careers, have harmonious relationships and save time for themselves. Over the years, I have developed many important time management principles to help optimize life and business. I called it Goals Management Technology.
I consider this technique to be the most useful, because it meets the needs of today's world, in which everything changes quickly and unpredictably.
1.The first rule: Priorities by Purposes.
You can try to study different methods of prioritizations as much as you want, but they will only confuse you with all their categories and explanations. And how many interpretations and tips they have!
For me, it's simple - according to the dictionary.
Priority means the first.
What do you do first thing in the morning: get dressed or take a shower?
Of course, the shower will be first.
But if you're a researcher of waterproof overalls, what about it?
Therefore, the priority in actions depends on the purpose of these actions.
2. Planning: To-do List and Calendar.
Without planning, there is no time management. But you can't plan for just one day, it will lead you into a trap.
You need to plan for several weeks, at least 6 weeks in advance.
And put in the calendar what you want to do.
Don't just make a list of things To-do, but for each of them ask yourself "when it should be done" and immediately put it in your calendar.
If you don't have an exact answer about the timing, decide how you want - and put it on the desired date.
3. Self-organization: Routines and Rituals.
Although many people have a negative attitude towards the concept of routine, I want to convince you that routine is your foundation for productivity. Because routine is your own patterns of action, something that is repeated and provides you with survival and confidence.
Routine includes daily tasks that you do not think about, but do automatically and this is worth considering.
As for rituals, these are your own rules and standards. They bring order and footholds, and add uniqueness to your life. For example, if you have a family ritual of visiting interesting places every Saturday or having a weekly romantic dinner, then you will always enjoy spending time together. And you will never hear the words "you only care about work...»
4. The main tool: Time calculation will help you get everything done on time.
But it is impossible to do everything in time. That's why I pay attention to how long different tasks take.
I have several types of time calculation:
- rigid - this is when the task is tied to a specific time and cannot be shifted from it, an example is a plane departure;
- floating - this is when the task can be completed at any time, but it is known how long it will take;
- cumulative - when the task is performed in parts throughout the day.
If you calculate the time for each task, as well as the total time for all tasks, you will very quickly find more time, or you will find that you have too much time and there is simply nowhere to put it.
5. Routes: Schedules for the Day, Week, Month and Year.
Schedules are ways to achieve goals. You don't create schedules to limit yourself, but to move toward your goals.
Schedules can change, just like any route. You just look for the best route.
But in your schedule, I advise you to have time for everything that is important to you: work, rest, body care, communication with important and close people, study, social affairs, etc.
Schedules should be drawn in the form of routes, and make sure that there is always time between things, so that no force majeure will scare you.
Of course, what I have just shared with you is only a small part of this mystery called time management. But this is just the beginning of our communication.
I plan to regularly reveal the secrets of Goals Management Technology on this blog. So I am waiting for your questions and needs.
Because I know how time management affects your achievements in life. Do you know that the famous Elon Musk considers the secret of his productivity to be the precise distribution of time between tasks, he does not mix them into a cocktail, but rather does work, creativity and rest separately. Do you see that rest is also important to him?
So let's summarise:
Time management should become a routine in your life.
Time management should move you towards your goals.
Time management requires precision and seriousness.