20 Time Management Tips - How to Create More Time 💫

Summary

This video explores the complexities of time management, offering 20 contradictory tips to highlight how productivity advice can be subjective and personal. From prioritizing three tasks to embracing novelty with multiple projects, the advice varies on methods like time blocking, energy management, and habit formation. The key takeaway is that time management isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s an art, not a science, and the best approach is to treat advice as flexible options, not absolute truths. The video encourages finding what works for you, rather than rigidly following prescribed rules.

Takeaways

• 😀 Time management advice can often contradict itself, so treat it like a buffet – take what works for you and leave the rest.
• 😀 Focus on just three priorities at a time to avoid spreading yourself too thin and ensuring success in the areas that matter most.
• 😀 Embrace novelty by setting multiple goals to keep your work fresh and interesting, but be prepared to switch between projects as needed.
• 😀 Time-block your week to visualize your limited time and avoid distractions, but remember that time management is about more than just blocking out hours.
• 😀 Manage your energy, not just your time. Work with your body's rhythm and take breaks when you're feeling low on energy or distracted.
• 😀 Sometimes working in external environments like cafes or libraries can increase productivity due to the benefits of body doubling and external focus.
• 😀 Create distraction-free zones with noise-canceling headphones or minimal distractions to help you stay focused and get things done.
• 😀 Digital task lists allow for better accessibility and faster entry, but handwriting to-do lists can improve memory and understanding.
• 😀 Build momentum by tackling small tasks first. Completing little things can give you a sense of accomplishment and help you gain momentum for bigger tasks.
• 😀 ‘Eat the frog’ – tackle big, important tasks first thing in the morning to boost confidence and feel productive early in the day.

Q & A

Why does the speaker compare time management advice to diet advice?

The speaker compares time management advice to diet advice because both often contradict themselves. What works for one person may not work for another, and advice can vary greatly, creating confusion rather than offering clear solutions.

What is the main idea behind focusing on just three priorities at a time?

Focusing on three priorities at a time allows you to give them the attention they need. Spreading yourself too thin with too many priorities can dilute your focus and reduce your effectiveness.

What is the benefit of setting multiple goals according to the speaker?

Setting multiple goals creates novelty and keeps things fresh. This can prevent boredom and help maintain motivation, as you can switch between different projects when you feel stuck or uninspired.

How does time blocking help with time management?

Time blocking helps by visualizing how much time you truly have available in a week. It encourages you to allocate specific time for tasks, reducing distractions and increasing focus.

What is the alternative approach to time blocking suggested in the script?

The alternative approach is managing your energy rather than your time. Instead of rigidly scheduling tasks, the idea is to pay attention to when your energy dips and rise, allowing you to take breaks and work in sync with your natural rhythms.

What is the concept of 'body doubling,' and how does it contribute to productivity?

Body doubling is when you work in a public space like a café or library to increase productivity. The presence of others can create an environment that boosts focus and motivation, making you more likely to get things done.

Why is it important to create distraction-free zones while working?

Creating distraction-free zones, such as using noise-cancelling headphones or clearing your workspace, helps eliminate external distractions. This focus improves your productivity and allows you to concentrate better on tasks.

How does the speaker feel about digital versus paper to-do lists?

The speaker presents both options as valid. Digital lists are flexible and fast, while paper lists are better for memory and understanding. It’s about finding which method works best for the individual.

What is the advantage of starting with small tasks before tackling bigger ones?

Starting with small tasks helps build momentum. When you complete quick, simple tasks, it boosts your motivation and prepares you to take on bigger, more challenging tasks with more energy.

What does the speaker mean by 'time management advice is subjective'?

The speaker means that time management strategies are personal and context-dependent. What works for one person may not work for another, so it's essential to treat advice as optional and experiment to find what suits you best.