5 Signs You’re Practicing Good Time Management
The way you handle your time determines your level of success. If you give in to time-wasting activities and always find yourself thinking “I’m behind schedule again” you need to begin working on your time management skills. However, if you always meet deadlines, are satisfied with most of your results, and are always at the top of your game, then you are on the right track.
Your time management skills are the key to living your purpose daily and achieving every goal you set.
While some people fail to reach their aims, others are constantly ticking things off their to-dos, improving where they lack, meeting deadlines, and making the most of their time. Why? Because they use their time effectively and recognize its significance in attaining your goals.
If you are wondering whether you are the master of your time or not, here are 5 indications that prove you are;
- You are true to your schedule.
This means you run the day, not the other way around. You have a schedule and are true to it. You complete your tasks on time and never allow distractions to veer you off-course. You set up tomorrow’s to-dos today and focus on one thing at a time. You live in the moment and value the process as opposed to worrying too much about the results and failing to focus on what you are doing. If this is an accurate description of how you handle your schedule, then you are making the most of your time.
- You always plan ahead.
Do you have a plan for what you will do one week or one month from now? If you do, then you are on the right path. Planning ahead, setting weekly goals, monthly goals, and yearly goals is a sign that you are the master of your time.
Perhaps you have taken it a step further and have planned the steps to take after every accomplishment. You know what you will focus on after reaching your goal, you are always looking for ways to fine-tune your methods, and set even higher aims.
You also accept that anything is possible and things may not turn out the way you expect them to. So, you have a plan and know which path to take in case of a failure, a challenge, or setback.
- You prioritize.
This means you have a list of priorities and never allow anything to get in the way. It means you list down your MITs or most important tasks and get them done the right way and on time. It means you don’t set aside your MITs when “something better” comes along. You make time for new things or test different avenues but never at the expense of your present priorities. You get them done first, always make time for them, and then set aside an hour or so to try out something new.
- You avoid multitasking.
Multitasking proves that you don’t have control over your work or time. So, if you avoid it, do one thing at a time, and easily say NO to interruptions, you have mastered your time management skills. When you focus on your most important work, delegate the rest, and produce exceptional or satisfying results, you have learned the best ways to use your time.
- You can easily say NO.
Another sign that you are making the most of your time is the ability to say NO. This means you don’t entertain time-wasting activities or suggestions. You pay attention to present tasks and switch off notifications when working. You don’t give in to “shiny objects” and stay true to yourself. You don’t go with the crowd, set aside tasks, or give in to the “I’m flexible and can always pick up something new” mentality. You stay true to your goals and constantly come up with new effective methods to fine-tune them.
Another sign that you are making the most of your time is constantly improving yourself, personally as well as professionally. You set aside time for personal development, search for new ways to advance in your career, and apply them.
When you recognize the importance of work-life balance, routine exercise, as well as taking breaks in between your busy schedule, you have good time management skills. So, how often do you take breaks? Is physical exercise as important as your work or study? Do you make time for social or personal relationships as much as your professional ones? If you do, then you are on track.
If you have noticed that you are the master of your time and are happy with the way you handle it, keep at it and continue to cultivate your time management skills for even better results.