How I Manage My Time - 10 Time Management Tips

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares 10 effective time management tips that have proven invaluable over the past decade. Key points include owning your time, adopting the 'Hell Yeah or No' mindset, setting a daily highlight, using a physical to-do list, time blocking, leveraging Parkinson's Law, protecting your mornings, delegating tasks, automating scheduling with tools like Calendly, and choosing to be satisfied with your accomplishments. These strategies are designed to help you gain control over your schedule and boost productivity.

Takeaways

• 📅 We own all of our time and can choose how to spend it, recognizing our control over our schedule.
• 💡 Adopt the 'Hell Yeah or No' principle to prioritize activities that genuinely excite us and say no to everything else.
• 🌟 Use the 'Daily Highlight' technique to focus on one main task each day, enhancing productivity and satisfaction.
• 📝 Maintain a physical to-do list to manage daily tasks effectively, using systems that work best for personal preferences.
• ⏰ Implement time blocking to schedule important tasks in the calendar, ensuring they get done.
• 📉 Leverage Parkinson's Law by setting artificial deadlines to complete tasks more efficiently.
• 🔒 Protect time for uninterrupted work or personal activities, free from external obligations.
• 📤 Delegate tasks that are less valuable than your hourly rate to free up time for more important work.
• 🗓️ Use tools like Calendly to automate scheduling, reducing the time spent on back-and-forth communications.
• 😊 Choose to be satisfied with daily accomplishments, avoiding unnecessary self-criticism and maintaining a positive mindset.

Q & A

What is the primary realization about time management mentioned in the video?

The primary realization is that we absolutely own all of our time and are always in control of how we choose to spend it.

How does the 'Hell Yeah or No' principle help in time management?

The 'Hell Yeah or No' principle helps by encouraging us to only commit to opportunities that we are genuinely excited about, thereby avoiding tasks that are not worth our time.

What is the 'daily highlight' tip from the book 'Make Time'?

The 'daily highlight' tip involves deciding on one key task that will be the main focus of the day, ensuring that it gets completed and providing a sense of accomplishment.

Why does the speaker prefer using a physical to-do list over a digital one?

The speaker prefers a physical to-do list because it feels more satisfying to cross off completed tasks and helps in better managing daily activities.

What is time blocking, and how does the speaker use it?

Time blocking involves scheduling specific tasks into the calendar to ensure they get done. The speaker uses it to allocate time for the daily highlight, ensuring it is prioritized.

What is Parkinson's Law and how does it relate to productivity?

Parkinson's Law states that work expands to fill the time allocated to it. By setting artificial deadlines, the speaker can complete tasks more efficiently within a shorter time frame.

What is 'protected time' and why is it important?

'Protected time' is a period reserved exclusively for personal or important work, free from interruptions. It allows the speaker to focus on high-priority tasks or personal activities without distractions.

How does the concept of delegation improve time management?

Delegation involves outsourcing tasks that can be done by others, allowing the speaker to focus on more valuable activities. It helps in better managing time and increasing productivity.

What tool does the speaker use to automate scheduling, and why is it beneficial?

The speaker uses Calendly to automate scheduling, which simplifies the process of setting appointments and eliminates the need for back-and-forth emails, saving time.

Why is it important to choose to be satisfied with one's daily accomplishments?

Choosing to be satisfied with daily accomplishments prevents self-criticism and promotes a positive mindset, making it easier to stay motivated and productive.

What additional resources does the speaker offer for learning about time management?

The speaker offers three online courses on Skillshare focused on productivity fundamentals, the productivity equation, and productivity for creators, providing in-depth strategies for effective time management.