Time Management Tips

I spend so long blogging about things that interest me (or annoy me) that I forget to use my blogging space to share helpful things! So I thought I’d do a series of Listicles (love that word) over a few weeks that are my top tips, gleaned from my 8 years’ experience to date as a virtual PA and from my previous corporate life.

So, without further ado, these are my TOP 3 TIME MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

1.       Time Blocking

Without a doubt time blocking is my one, fail safe technique for stopping overwhelm. Overwhelm can be caused by an excessive workload or stressful work environment so time blocking attempts to minimise all of that outside noise and allows you to focus.

To time block successfully you just need a bit of paper and a pen (or a computer if you’re not as visual/old school as me!). Split out your working day into blocks of time (I use hour chunks) so 9-10, 10-11 and so on. Then allocate a different task/project/workstream/client to each chunk.

My top tip here is to be realistic but also to build in buffer – any time you make back by working faster can be used for something else (remember my, if it takes 5 minutes, just do it tip?!).

Then as each time section starts use it to focus – no emails, no texts, no distractions just pure dedication that that task.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly time goes and how much you get done – you’ll be powering through that backlog in no time!

2.       Pomodoro

I’ve said it before, but you really need to trust that Tomato. Named after those old school kitchen timers shaped like big tomatoes the Pomodoro technique is another of my favourite ways to get things down and that to do list down to nothing.

The technique is about pure focus and reward. It requires you to split your time into small, manageable and high intensity chunks (think HiiT for the brain) and to follow those with a small reward. It’s perfect for those that struggle with distractions or try to avoid doing things.

All you need to do is work out your optimum focus time – 30 minutes is a good time frames to achieve without becoming overwhelmed by it. Sit down, set a timer for 30 minutes and go. You work on as much as you can for that time, power through ignoring emails, texts and other distractions until the timer goes off.

Now is the time to reward yourself for your hard work. The reward will act as positive reinforcement so that each 30 minutes will get easier, and you’ll be surprised what you can get done.

3.       Positivity

I know it sounds a bit ridiculous but being positive can actually increase your productivity by 20-30% which in turn means that you’re using your time a lot more effectively. There are lots of ways to increase your positivity, such as building nice things into your morning routine (I use a 5k morning walk to get my endorphins up); you can also pair tasks you find challenging with ones you enjoy (listening to a podcast whilst doing the washing up).

The trick is to find ways to bring positivity into your everyday life (and work life) which will ultimately ensure that you are using time in a better way, getting more done and feeling all round fabulous!

If you’re struggling with your time management and feel that having someone on your team who is organised, disciplined and ready to support you is a good idea then I’d love to have a chat! Email me today on hello@spinningplatespa.co.uk