In both personal and professional environments, time is crucial, so it deserves respect. That’s why learning time management can be one of the most rewarding skills we can acquire.

Here are some time management tips we love.

Use your calendar

By having a clear plan of action before the day begins, you’ll be focused from the start. Today, online calendars make managing your schedule easy from any device. Make a note of important dates and events, set up reminders, and set aside time.

Use the 80/20 rule

When applied to work, it means that approximately 20 percent of your efforts produce 80 percent of the results. To make the most effective use of your time, you must learn to recognise and focus on that 20%.

Eat that frog.

“Mark Twain once said that if the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worse things that is going to happen to you all day long,” writes Brian Tracy.

So, what exactly is your “frog?” It’s “your biggest, most important task, the one you are most likely to procrastinate on if you don’t do something about it.”

The 4Ds of time management

Delete – Delete or drop the tasks that don’t require your attention.

Delegate – If someone else can do the task, delegate it.

Defer – Identify tasks that can be completed later

Do it – If you have a deadline, these tasks should be at the top of your list.

Batch similar tasks together

Try putting together similar tasks like answering all your emails or making your phone calls all at once. This can help you prioritise your work and focus your mind more effectively. Jumping from one task to another wastes considerable time since different tasks require different types of thinking and arrangement.

Delegate or outsource

Whether you are a newbie, executive, or manager, you don’t have to do it all. You will be able to reduce your workload considerably by delegating your tasks.

Virtual assistants are considerably cheaper than doing everything yourself, which wastes precious time. Receive the support, expertise, and resources you need to manage your personal life, business, and any employees you may have with Virtual PA Studio.

Track your time

Keeping track of your time will help you identify time-consuming tasks that you may be able to delegate. We recommend using time-tracking software like harvest.

How do you manage your time effectively? What time-management tips do you use? Tell us about them in the comments if you have any.