Time management is important in our working lives and our personal lives. You will have heard this spoken of a lot. If you are thinking this does not apply to you, and you have not developed some time management skills, then you might be wondering why you feel overwhelmed at some point in the future when you truly have some work pressure applied to you.
This blog is for us as individuals.
Many different demands are placed on our time. Sometimes you may feel you are being productive and making progress and sometimes the opposite.
Life sends challenges our way and these differ over time, whether it is illness, or a family matter that needs attending to, the demands of children or the demands of running a business or several of these combined.
One thing is for sure, if you are enjoying your work, you will find working hard easy.
It will not feel like work. Remember too that work is a really important element in our lives, this is why it is important to seek employment in a field you love, so that even through your darkest days you will have a basic passion or interest that burns within you.
There have been many books written about time management but a few basic themes are reoccurring;
- Get a good sleep
- Maintain effective record keeping, a diary and /or calendar and update and refer to it regularly
- Set achievable targets
- Prioritise – easier said than done
- Have some time out to recharge your mind
There are many excellent books on time management, each offering unique perspectives and strategies. Here are some of the widely regarded classics and contemporary works on the subject:
“Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity” by David Allen
David Allen’s GTD methodology is popular for its practical approach to managing tasks, projects, and information overload.
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey
While not solely focused on time management, Covey’s classic book emphasizes principles for personal effectiveness, including time management habits.
“Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time” by Brian Tracy
Brian Tracy provides practical advice on overcoming procrastination and prioritizing tasks to increase productivity.
“Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World” by Cal Newport
Cal Newport explores the concept of “deep work” and how to cultivate focused, distraction-free periods for maximum productivity.
“Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear
While primarily about habit formation, James Clear’s book is relevant to time management by addressing the role of habits in daily routines.
“The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
Keller and Papasan advocate for focusing on the most important task (the “one thing”) to achieve significant results.
“Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” by Greg McKeown
McKeown encourages readers to focus on what truly matters and eliminate non-essential tasks, helping to simplify and prioritize.
“Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day” by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky
Knapp and Zeratsky provide practical strategies to create time for meaningful work by re-evaluating daily routines.
“Time Management from the Inside Out: The Foolproof System for Taking Control of Your Schedule–and Your Life” by Julie Morgenstern
Julie Morgenstern offers a comprehensive approach to time management, addressing both personal and professional aspects.
“The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich” by Timothy Ferriss
While focusing on lifestyle design, Ferriss shares insights on optimising work processes and achieving more in less time.
Remember that the effectiveness of a time management book can vary from person to person, so it is beneficial to explore different approaches and adapt strategies that best suit your preferences and work style.
