Let me introduce a simple time management approach that can help you to define your strong and weak zones and increase your productivity. The principle of that technique is to set up the time for the particular task and complete it within that period. During the specified time frame, you focus only on that task and stop working on it when the time is finished. It will take some period of practice until you learn to determine the right time setting that you need toachieve your expected goals.
Work expands to fill the time available for its completion, according to Parkinson’s Law. So, if you are familiar with the situation when the task which could be done in few hours, like writing an article, webpage design, or whatever you are planning to do, takes weeks, you can definitely try timeboxing. Then you can allocate time periods and set a strict limit on tasks that you think will otherwise take too much of your time.
Here's what you need to know about the goal-oriented strategy in time management:
- Find the right tasks
You can choose and assign any task you want, but the best way to start if you set the timeboxes to things you have no motivation to do or you don’t want to spend too much time on. Typically, these are challenging tasks that you know will take a lot of time and effort. By splitting this work into smaller, manageable pieces with different deadlines, you are effectively reducing the stress and procrastination.
- Establish your goals
Think about what you want to achieve and in what time. If you're working on a big project and you have 20 days to finish it, your final goal is clear. But, to accomplish this long-term goal, you'll also need to make your goal to do a certain part of this project a day. To reach the deadline, make space for adjustments and unexpected circumstances that can throw you off-board and make you slow down.
- Set the time
You choose when to start working on the task, and when to stop working on it. Timebox the most difficult tasks, or things that you don't have the energy to do, by small timeboxes of 15, 30, or 45 minutes to help you handle these things fast. You can spread the demanding tasks between the pleasant ones. Don't react to the messages and other social media notifications during working on the task. You can make a small "reacting" timebox of 15 minutes for it instead.
- Work and review the progress
Start your first scheduled assignment without hesitation, and then work through your planned timebox list. When your allocated time is up, stop working immediately even you think you can finish it in a few seconds. You do effective timeboxing any time you work on your task during the preset time, and all you have to do after each timebox is to evaluate your progress.
- Allow you reward
For long term completion of timeboxes, rewards will keep you motivated. Remembering something pleasant is waiting for you encourages you to keep the focus on the task. You can skip this step, but by holding it, you make sure that you have something to look forward to after you have completed essential timeboxes.
Achieved goals release dopamine hormone in our brain and increase the fundamental feeling of satisfaction and happiness. There's nothing like a running timer to help inspire you to concentrate on what you do.Having a dedicated time frame to concentrate on assignments helps you to focus, and the timer will motivate you to minimize obstacles and procrastination. By limiting the time you spend on some activities, you're making time for yourself.
