Time management refers to numerous skills and techniques that can help a person make use of available time in the most efficient and effective ways possible. Doing so raises the chances of accomplishing tasks, goals, and projects within a predetermined period of time.
Time management is not just prioritizing tasks, planning, scheduling, organizing, and delegating. Time management includes analyzing time spent on different activities and monitoring processes to improve efficiency.
Applying time management techniques in a good way allows you to get more work done in a shorter amount of time. Time management also allows you to take control over your personal (and professional) life, because it helps you understand and prioritize what you need to do.
ABC model
English poet Ralph Hodgson once said: “Time, you old gypsy man, will you not stay, put up your caravan just for one day?” There is common phrase: “time and tide wait for no man.” We all agree on the shared belief that time is money, because of the value of time. And our success is are often connected to how effectively and efficiently we manage our time.
Researchers have come up with many models to execute more efficient and productive time management. The ABC model of effective time management is a relatively simple model. One of its key advantages is that it can be used by anyone in any type of situation by focusing on the principles of awareness, belief, and continuation.
Awareness: Every moment can become an opportunity if you become aware of its existence. Our personal lives consist of many moments we can utilize. Every day has 86,400 seconds in it — but are you aware of everything that goes on during a day?
Think about how you use your time in your daily life. If you could dedicate 10% of your day to perform — with intention — the tasks you set out to accomplish, the difference in productivity would be very noticeable.
Believe: Once you are aware of the presence and value of time and you have an understanding of what you want to accomplish, you’re halfway there. Now, analyze how you spend your time by labelling your tasks. How important is each task? How urgent is each task?
If you want to start utilizing your time more effectively, make a to-do list for tomorrow’s 86,400 seconds. Select at least three tasks with the best chances of success. At the end of the day, make a plan for the following day using the same method. If you continue this practice for a week, you’ll make it a habit — and you’ll see your productivity increase.
Continuation: If you have successfully applied this strategy for seven days straight, use the eighth day to make a plan for the upcoming month. Adapt it to fit your everyday life — but avoid skipping a day, as you can quickly lose momentum.
You probably have a long list of tasks written down. Rather than plotting them out daily, use the “importance” and “urgency” labels to sort them, working your way through your sorted list.