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Mastering Time: 10 Ways to Self Prioritize Time Management and Personal Life

Writer's picture: Nicole NgNicole Ng

Updated: Jan 21

"I start the new year and continue everyday, sending and receiving peace and love"


In recent years, technology has integrated into every aspect of our daily lives. Take our mobile phones for instance, they are not just a communication tool but they are also a gateway to connect to people globally. While the advancement has made our lives more effective, it can also become a distraction causing poor time management and an unbalanced personal lifestyle. Not to worry, with the proper ways, you can boost your time management and lead to a balanced lifestyle.



Here are 10 ways to self prioritize time management and personal life.


1. Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time–Bound)

One of the obstacles to achieving time management is not knowing how to set goals. It is easy to be distracted and lose sight of time. To overcome this, you can start by setting a minimum of 10 goals that you would like to achieve. Each goal can be simple and achievable in a short period of time such as studying for an exam or completing chores twice a week. Setting SMART goals helps you to focus and get things done.


2. Learn to say no

Your friends would ask you to hang out for dinner or your coworker invites you for a coffee break but you do not feel like attending any of these events yet you are afraid to deny the offers. You lose personal time and it frustrates you. Other than saying no, you can reply with, "I have other priorities" or  "I would love to accept the offer but I do not feel like going today". Learning to say no not only give you time to focus on your priorities but also communicates to others that you have priorities to manage. This practice helps you take control of your schedule and improve your time management skills.


3. Identify priorities

Our lives are always filled with different tasks. However, not all tasks can be completed alone, nor can it be completed within a few hours or within a day. A helpful way to manage tasks is by breaking your tasks or your goals into smaller steps using the Eisenhower Matrix. The Eisenhower Matrix can be separated into four quadrants:


  1. Urgent and Important - tasks that requires immediate attention

  2. Urgent but Not Important - tasks that can be managed with others

  3. Not urgent and Important - tasks that requires long-term planning

  4. Not urgent and Not Important - tasks that can be done at a later time


By categorizing your priorities with the Eisenhower Matrix, you can focus on tasks that needs most attention.


4. Minimize distractions

Distraction comes in many forms, whether its technology like our mobile phones or it can any tangible items like food. Look around and identify any distraction. You could then rank based on how much you are distracted from. To minimize the effects, you can move to spaces with fewer distractions. Over time, you can reduce or completely remove distractions to accommodate your focus and stay on track.


Women on her computer along with other distractions
Women on her computer along with other distractions

5. Avoid Multitasking

Some people would say that they can listen to music while they study or they could listen in conversations while they are replying to a text on the phone. Multitasking may seem like an efficient task, but in reality this would lead to mediocre results.

"Recent work has shown that students learn less  when texting or using social media while attending lectures."

Rather than focusing on multiple tasks at the same time, try putting your focus on one task at a time.


6. Communicate with others

There are tasks that may not be completed alone hence it is the time to ask others for help. By asking others for help, you may be able to manage time for the task itself and other tasks that you are working on. You could seek advice from a trusted individual such as your parents, your friends or your counselor who can provide valuable guidance and assist in helping you to manage tasks and your goals.


7. Learn something new

Doing the same things may bore you and reduce your efficiency. While sticking toward your goals and tasks are important, there will be moments where you are introduced to opportunities of learning something new. It may be once in a lifetime experience or your new passion. Learning something new enhances our brain ability or Neuroplasticity to think critically and improve concentration. So find the opportunity to learn something new!



8. Make time for yourself

The concept of "self care day" gained popularity on social media as the idea of taking the day off for "self care" purposes like getting a spa appointment or getting new nails which has become a trend. While this trend may seem momentary, the idea behind is valuable. Taking time off to yourself but it is helpful to give time for yourself to maintain a balanced personal lifestyle aside from work and school.

Women enjoying her bath and spa as part of her self-care routine
Women enjoying her bath and spa as part of her self-care routine

9. Practice self–reflection and adjustment

Self–reflection has been overlooked because people do not see the importance. However, taking the time to do self reflection allows you to assess your progress and adjust your tasks based on your insights. You may begin to practice self reflection with a self reflection journal to record your daily achievements and areas for improvement. You can also share your thoughts with a trusted individual to gain insights and support. Practicing self-reflection is a powerful step towards growth in time management and personal life.


10. Embrace flexibility

Accepting that obstacles can arise in the path of achieving our goals can be difficult. Sometimes, we may need to take a break or adjust our goals which is acceptable. These changes does not reflect our lack of capability to execute but rather they demonstrate our resilience and flexibility. By embracing these shifts, we can overcome challenges in ways that fit what is best for us. This approach will not only help manage our time more effectively but also reduces stress, allowing a healthier balance in our personal life.

 

10 Steps Towards Efficient Time Management and Personal Life



  • Step 1: Identify your priorities


Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix (Productivity Patrol)
The Eisenhower Matrix (Productivity Patrol)

  • Step 2: Listing your SMART goals


SMART Goals


  • Step 3:  Create a schedule


Weekly Schedule



  • Step 4:  Delegate tasks


Ways to delegate tasks


  • Step 5: Set boundaries


  • Step 6: Learn to say no


  • Step 7: Take breaks


  • Step 8:  Communicate with others


  • Step 9: Use technology efficiently


  • Step 10: Review and reflect your goals regularly



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