The secret to better time management:

Being a marketer often leaves you with little to no time. You’re always so busy doing different tasks for various people, and there is a constant fear that you have missed something or forgotten to do something important. Time management involves planning how to efficiently use and deliberately control the time you spend to maximise productivity. Essentially, it’s about getting more done in less time. Other benefits of managing your time appropriately include:

– Better work quality
– Reduced stress
– More time to work on strategic or creative projects
– Reduced procrastination
– Increased self-confidence

Here is how we would recommend you organise your time:

1. Make a list:

Note down what you do and how you are spending your time on a daily basis. Assess your list and see if you can a) delegate your work to someone on your team or b) postpone it to a later time, for example, if the task is not a priority. For the tasks that remain on your list, create a to-do list and work your way through it. Tick off tasks once completed. Ticking something off your to-do list can give you a sense of satisfaction, maintaining your productivity levels.

2. Tackle the most difficult task first:

By addressing the task that you consider most challenging first, you get the dread out of the way. The psychology behind tackling the big tasks first improves your overall experience because you no longer need to dwell on that awful chore/task. It is a strategy that can help you become more productive, reduce stress, and ultimately achieve better results – which is what this whole blog is about.

3. Learn when to say no:

Saying no can be daunting. You don’t want to feel like you have let people down. However, we only have so much energy in a day, and unfortunately, we are not superheroes who are great at everything. Recognise your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on what you’re good at and, if possible, delegate tasks that can be done better and faster by other people.

4. Avoid multitasking:

Multitasking reduces your efficiency and performance because your brain can only focus on one thing at a time. When you try to do two things at once, your brain lacks the capacity to perform both tasks successfully. Additionally, it can lead to mental fatigue, decreased focus, and difficulty in retaining information.

5. Utilise time management tools:

There are tools designed to help with organisation and creativity. For example:

– Slack: a communication channel offering functionalities such as text messaging, file and media sharing, voice and video calls, and group chat for team collaboration.
– Dropbox/OneDrive: helps with storing, sharing, and backing up files. Authorised team members can access cloud-based files 24/7.
– Google Calendar/Outlook Calendar: helps you stay on top of daily, weekly, and monthly schedules. Integrate them with Slack to receive automatic alerts and reminders directly in related channels.
Don’t be afraid to block out time to solely focus on a particular task. Mute notifications or have notifications delivered silently to minimise distractions when you are trying to get something done. You can even block out times in your calendar to avoid peers booking meetings when you are trying to tackle a task.

6. Create a reward system for yourself:

Rewards can be a great source of motivation for adopting good time management habits. For each important task you accomplish, you can give yourself a little treat. It doesn’t need to be extravagant or expensive. Here are some simple ways to motivate yourself:

– Taking a break to enjoy your favourite snack
– Going for a short walk outside
– Calling a friend or family member
– Meditating for five minutes
– Listening to a podcast episode or a chapter of an audiobook

For bigger rewards, you can indulge in activities like reading a book in the bath, planning a night out with friends, or booking a getaway. Exciting rewards can help you push through an especially tough project or work period.