What Every Successful Leader Knows About Time Management
If you Google "time management," you'll get about 80 million results. That's a whole lot of information on a topic that, let's face it, is pretty essential to our success both professionally and personally. So where do you even begin?
A good place to start is by learning from those who have already mastered the art of time management. After all, successful leaders didn't get to where they are by wasting time—they know how to make the most of every minute. Here are three tips on better time management from some of the world's most successful leaders.
1. Set aside time each day for reflection and planning.
One of the best ways to get a handle on your time is to start each day with reflection and planning. Spend 15-30 minutes each morning thinking about your priorities for the day and what you need to do to accomplish your goals. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked by less important tasks.
2. Learn to say no—and mean it.
One of the biggest challenges we face when it comes to time management is learning how to say no—especially when it comes to requests from our boss or colleagues. But if you're already stretched thin, adding more to your plate is only going to make things worse. So next time someone asks you to do something that isn't truly a priority, don't be afraid to say no—politely, of course.
3. Make time for breaks—and stick to them!
When we're feeling overwhelmed, it's tempting to just power through and try to get as much done as possible. But that's not sustainable in the long run—eventually, you're going to burn out. That's why it's important to make time for regular breaks throughout the day, even if it's just 5-10 minutes here and there. During your break, step away from your work completely and do something that relaxes or rejuvenates you. This could be anything from reading a book or taking a walk outside to listening to music or chatting with a friend. Whatever it is, make sure it's something that helps you recharge so you can come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to time management—what works for one person might not work for another. But by taking some tips from those who have already mastered the art of balancing their time, you can start making small changes that will make a big impact on your productivity levels. So take a few minutes each day for reflection, learn how (and when) to say no, and make sure you're taking regular breaks—your future self will thank you!
RACHEL DEALTO
Rachel DeAlto is a keynote speaker on communication, leadership, team building, and more. She’s on a mission to connect people to their most powerful resource—each other.