5 Common Myths About Time Management

We all have 60 minutes in each hour and 24 hours in each day. That’s 168 hours every week. What is the best way to manage this time? There are several myths about the right way to manage one’s time. To manage your time effectively you need to be aware of these 5 common myths about time management.

1. The right plan will allow you to get everything done at once

There is no special plan or strategy that will allow you to get everything on your to-do list done at once. Instead of trying to get everything done at once, prioritize your tasks. Concentrate on getting the most important tasks completed first. These should be tasks that will lead you and your team to important outcomes. Your time will be better spent focusing on the quality of tasks accomplished, rather than the quantity of tasks completed.

2. Multitasking is productive

Many are under the belief that multitasking will make them more productive. The truth is, we actually waste more time jumping back and forth between tasks. At the end of the day, you’re left with several incomplete tasks. Instead of multitasking, pick one task to focus all of your attention on. Complete it with excellence, then move on to the next task.

3. A to-do list will make everything easier

It’s important to know the tasks that need to be completed. However sticking them in a bulleted to-do list is not going to make it any easier to get them done. Often times when we create a to-do list we focus on completing the tasks that take the least amount of time. Doing this gives us the feeling that we’re accomplishing something. This can lead us into a negative cycle of putting a minimal effort task ahead of a task that takes longer to complete and needs our attention. A great alternative for a to-do list is your calendar. Scheduling tasks on your calendar forces you to invest the time needed for each task.

4. Working without breaks will make you more productive

Being a workaholic is not the golden ticket to accomplishing all of your tasks. Add some white space into your calendar by taking breaks between tasks. Adding white space gives you time to refocus and re-energize. White space can also be used to prepare or reflect on meetings, prioritize tasks and as time set aside for creativity and innovation.

5. You have to answer every email as soon as comes

Everybody hates a cluttered inbox. If you get as many emails as I do, you will drive yourself insane trying to respond to each and every one the second they hit your inbox. You’ll also waste a lot of time that could have been used to accomplish a high prioritized task. However, we can’t completely ignore our emails. Instead, schedule out times throughout the day when you check your email.

Time is one of our most valuable resources. Don’t waste it by falling for these time management myths. How you carry out your day can make the difference between a company in constant chaos or one that runs smoothly.

{{cta(‘469a6a80-c51f-48f0-820d-969a132c8950’)}}