We’ve all heard that ticking clock over our shoulder as we scurry to get things done. Sometimes, it feels like there just isn’t enough time in the day.

So, what if we told you there was another way? 

And no, we’re not talking about the classic Pomodoro Technique. So throw that tomato out the window, because we’re here to bring you the top tips, skills, and examples for managing your time better and more effectively. 

Whether you’re a student or a CEO, these four time-bending experts can help revolutionize your calendar. 

Time Management for Life: How To Take Control of Your Time - Liz Makin

On Uptime

Liz Makin offers her insights into how to wrestle any time engagement you might have to work in your favour.

1. What’s the goal?

What is it that you actually want to spend your time doing? 

When it comes to managing your time, we often overlook the relevance of having an actual purpose and setting goals. 

If you have something to strive towards with clear goals, it becomes far easier to dedicate and plan your time. 

Of course, life can be a whirlwind, so our goals and purposes can change. But remember to regularly revise, reorganise, and reconsider your goals. 

2. No more multitasking

Makin points out that, maybe, multitasking isn’t the best idea. The truth is that rarely does anyone manage to do more than one thing at a time - and it’s even rarer to do both of those things well. 

Giving each task our full, undivided attention will in fact bring about much better results. This way, you’ll be able to be fully productive in the hours that you have. 

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

As with any struggle in life, it’s important to know that you are not alone. 

If you’re struggling with finishing tasks, make sure you’re not afraid to ask for help - whether that be from friends or family, or from your work colleagues if you’re in the office.

Time Management Tips - Dave Crenshaw

On Uptime

1. Make your email work for you

Emails are an essential part of any day at work. But organising them can also take up a large chunk of your time. 

Crenshaw recommends tackling your inbox head-on. By sorting your emails into folders, and making sure your inbox is emptied at least once a week, you can go some way towards clearing the clutter. 

2. Working hard, or hardly working?

There are two types of procrastination - positive and negative. 

Positive procrastination helps you schedule some downtime for yourself. It’s about being realistic with your time and helps you to focus on your most valuable activity.

Negative procrastination is when you have an important task that you keep on pushing down your to-do list.

Although the idea of doing nothing can be frightening, make sure to find the value in positive procrastination.

3. Get comfortable

Having a properly laid-out workspace with the right tools and furniture can greatly improve your productivity. 

We tend to work best when we’re comfortable. Ask yourself: “does my current set-up make me feel comfortable both physically and mentally?” If the answer is no, it’s time to make a change. 

Managing Your Time - Todd Dewett, PhD

On Uptime

Best selling author Todd Dewett, PhD, gives us the inside scoop on a number of techniques to help you make the most of your day. 

1. Making mountains out of molehills

Not every task carries the same weight. So don’t treat everything that’s asked of you as an emergency. 

Focus your attention and your resources on the tasks that matter the most to you, and don’t be afraid to ask for a helping hand. 

2. Discover your Einstein window

An Einstein what…? 

Your Einstein window is that specific time of the day when we feel most motivated, inspired and ready to go. 

Each person has a different window of time where this kicks in, so take some time to reflect and find your window. 

3. Communicate your availability

While it’s nice to always have time for your colleagues, sometimes it’s just not the case. 

Having a clear and honest conversation with your colleagues on how you feel about being interrupted whenever you’re up to your neck at work can help set personal and professional boundaries. 

How To Clear Your Mind & Organize Your Life - Bryan Anze Bolt

On Uptime

Like a bolt out of the blue, Bryan Anze Bolt is here to free your mind from unnecessary mental clutter. 

1. Clear your mind, and the rest will follow

Everyone loves a detox, but Bolt isn’t talking about juicing here. He recommends a ‘mind detox’ to help us regain control of our energy. 

Identify what is causing you stress in life and then identify which of them you can manage. If you can eliminate any stress, no matter how small, you can go some way towards clearing your mind. 

2. Eliminate your energy thieves

When you’re busy, you constantly have a lot on your mind. 

These thoughts can end up being distractions and can disrupt your personal or professional life. 

These distractions can also be things like your environment, ongoing disputes, or even social media notifications. 

Try and find ways to eliminate these ‘energy thieves’, whether that’s putting your phone on silent or resolving the conflicts in your life. 

3. What are your most valuable actions?

Whenever you have a build-up of tasks, you should take time to prioritize all of your responsibilities. 

The high lifetime value activities are the tasks that bring you life the most value - these should be prioritized over zero value activities that only serve as distractions.

Summary

As the old saying goes: “Time is money, and I have precious little of either.” 

In life, time is a finite resource, so why waste it? Tracking and organizing your time means you can relieve the stress that comes with an overburdened schedule. 

If any of these time wrangling hacks caught your fancy, then be sure to catch the full version on the Uptime App. 

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