1. Distinguish Wants From Needs
Time management often comes down to two basic fundamental concepts: what needs to be done versus what you want to get done. Learning how to structure your day between needs and wants can often help clear up time to get things done that you want to do. Make a list of daily activities that are required for you to do, like eating, going to work and taking your kids to school. Then make a list of things you want to do, like meditating, listening to music and knitting.
2. Prioritize Needs By Making a List
Making lists of your daily activities can be very helpful in keeping you on track and ensuring that you do everything that you need to get done. Studies have shown that individuals who create lists are more likely to feel satisfied at the end of the day because they have kept their goals firmly in sight. Consider keeping a master list in your house if you do not want to carry around a list, and mark items off the list to give you a feeling of completion.
3. Some Things Take Longer Than Expected
One of the biggest aspects of time management is knowing how long it will take to finish a certain task. Often individuals are unsure of how to judge the amount of time it will take to finish a project. They then find themselves behind on other things throughout the day because of that misstep. Bear in mind that unavoidable things will happen, so always give yourself a few extra minutes in any given activity in case unavoidable factors keep you in an activity longer than you might suspect.
4. Lose the Unnecessary Activities
Many things throughout our days end up eating time, and we sometimes can't seem to figure out where the day went. Take note of activities that seem to lend themselves to wasting your time. Dragging your feet when getting ready in the morning or browsing for too long at the grocery store might leave other more enjoyable activities shortchanged later in the day. Notice when you are spending too much unnecessary time on an activity. Perhaps you should even set aside some time in your day to simply waste time if this is a tendency for you.
5. Help Yourself by Asking for Help
Whether at work or at home, people with time management skills often realize the importance of delegating tasks. Individuals who believe they have to do everything themselves and don't feel comfortable releasing responsibility to others often feel more stress and have less free time to do things they want to do. Delegate your responsibilities to people you trust at work and home to get a firm grasp on the time spent in your day so you can have more time to relax and do enjoyable activities.
