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We have all been there. You sit down at your desk with the best of intentions. You are going to be productive, efficient, and get everything on your to-do list done... but then reality happens. Suddenly, it's 5pm and you haven't even started on that project that's due tomorrow. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Time management is hard, especially when your expectations don't match up with reality.
But why is time management so difficult? And what can you do to make it easier? Let's take a look.
Expectation: I will get everything on my to-do list done today. Reality: You will get about half of what's on your to-do list done, and the other half will get pushed to tomorrow (or the day after, or the day after that). And that's okay! It's unrealistic to expect that you can do everything in one day, especially if some of those tasks are big and time-consuming. The important thing is that you're making progress and getting things done, even if it's not everything on your list.
Expectation: I will be able to focus for hours at a time without taking a break. Reality: Your brain can only focus for so long before it needs a break. Trying to push through and force yourself to keep working is only going to make you less productive in the long run. Instead of working for hours at a time without taking a break, try setting a timer for 50 minutes and working until it goes off. Then take a 5-10 minute break before starting again. This way you can still get a lot of work done without burning yourself out.
Expectation: I don't need to plan out my day, I'll just wing it and see what happens. Reality: Winging it might work sometimes, but more often than not you'll end up feeling frazzled and like you've accomplished nothing by the end of the day. Taking even just 10 minutes in the morning to plan out your day can make a world of difference. Having a general idea of what you need to do and when you're going to do it will help you stay focused and on track throughout the day.
Time management is difficult, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. By being realistic about what you can accomplish in a day and planning ahead, you can set yourself up for success. And even if things don't always go according to plan, don't beat yourself up about it—we all have days where things don't go as smoothly as we'd like them too. Just remember that tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities to conquer your to-do list!
Found it useful? or not useful? I would love to hear from you. Send me an email to a.sankaran97@outlook.com or reach me on LinkedIn.
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