Have you ever had to make an excuse to take time off to attend to that urgent bank work? Or feigned illness to take a break because you are feeling exhausted from putting in long hours in office without taking a break? Sometimes this is a result of bad time management but often it is because of bad workplace policies or a finicky boss. However, you don’t have to cheat on your job, to do what is important.
In today’s competitive world, there is another way to lead a wholesome life – optimizing the precious 24 hours of the day.
To manage all four key domains of your life – work, family, personal well-being and community – well, you require an efficient time management system. Sure, sticking to a routine is going to require discipline, but a healthy work-life integration eventually results in a feeling of fulfillment.
Here’s what you can do:
- Start your day early: One of the best ways to manage your time is by getting up early. Some of the most renowned names across the world, such as Tim Cook and Oprah Winfrey are known to be early risers. Not only does this give a good and healthy start to your day but helps you plan your day better and take out more time for your family and personal life.
- Prioritize your work: Create a to-do list summarizing the tasks for the day and make it your guide through the day. That way, even if tasks keep getting added during the day since you have prioritized your workload, you can manage them better. Be practical and realistic while making the to-do list – add only those things that can be achieved in a single day.
- Focus on one task at a time: One thing at a time is another habit that helps optimize your schedule. Focusing on too many tasks at the same time is only going to result in a dip in quality and more confusion. Though multitasking is usually considered as the most efficient use of time, overlapping of work can take more time than planned.
- Delegate work to others: Though you may excel in what you do, realize that you cannot do everything. That is why learn to delegate. Reserve the most urgent and critical tasks that require time and attention for yourself. In other words, delegation will not only help you save time but also help you train your workforce as well.
- Take breaks to refresh your mind: Take small breaks regularly during the day. These can help increase your productivity by helping you refresh your mind. Though the breaks are important, make sure you don’t stretch them too long, as then it would be nothing but cheating on your job again.
These tips on achieving work-life balance are sure to help you manage your time better, leaving you with plenty of time on the personal front. Not only does such time management help you refrain from cheating on your job, but if planned right such work-life balance results in increased productivity as well.
