How to learn to better manage time so that we accomplish what we shold accomplish and everybody is satisfied? This is one of the most common questions of managers. Many of them, therefore, look to the different methods of time management to find out how to plan their time better. Time is, however, not the essential thing that they miss...
Paul Pearsall, a leading American neuropsychologist, for example, considered time management literally a waste of time. He stressed that it is not about time but about attention. Until we learn to manage our attention, all time management methods will be useless. Where to focus the attention?
Goals are not enough
For each goal specify three to four critical things that need to be done to accomplish it. Then focus your attention on these things and be tough to yourself.
It is not about time but about priorities
Does your to-do list expand faster than you can perform the tasks? Then remember that there is no point to create to-do lists unless you specify a process of selecting priorities. You can use the method of labeling tasks with A, B and C letters. Plan the time for A tasks immediately and always at least half time longer than you estimate. Plan the B tasks for the next day and task C either delegate or set for later.
Schedule your attention
Plan enough quality time for the most important parts of your work. Define specific time periods when you will not pay attention to anything else than a given task. If possible, close yourself somewhere, turn off the e-mail and phone and let your surroundings know that you will not be available at this time. Focus your attention on the one thing.
Do not be a slave to mobile devices
If you think that constant checking of e-mail on your mobile device contributes to the effectiveness of your work, you are mistaken. The most effective people check e-mail only several times a day during limited periods of time.
Use your most productive time
Be aware of the time of the day and the specific conditions under wich you can focus te best and you are most productive. At the time, perform your most important tasks. Plan B tasks for the time of the day when your attention begins to decrease.
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