We often complain about not having enough time, but let’s face it -- everyone has the same 24 hours, and it’s those who utilize those hours to the fullest that are able to make every second count. Whether we assign a dollar value to it or not, time is valuable to us. If you stop and think about it, you probably spend your typical work week stressing over not having enough time to complete your tasks or reach your goal.
The Importance of Time Management
There are many different ways to tackle the issue of time management. However, it’s important to fully understand your priorities and stick to your motivation to achieve your tasks and goals. No matter how much you slice it, there are only 24 hours in a day. That applies to you, your colleague, and your boss. If you want to outdo yourself, you have to first look at the big picture and get a handle on why managing your time effectively is important. Here are a few reasons why time management crucial:
• You can accomplish more with less effort. When you learn to take control of your own time, you can improve your ability to focus. When you don’t lose momentum, you can breeze through tasks more quickly.
• You can improve your decision-making ability. If you manage your time effectively, you start to feel more calm and in control and when it comes to examining options and making decisions. Instead of rushing through the process, you can take your time to thoroughly consider each option.
• It can help reduce your stress. You no longer have to subject yourself to time pressure because you have a clearer picture of the demands on your clock. You can estimate how long you have to complete a task and meet its deadline.
Time Management Apps and Tools
To help with the task of managing your day, there are some useful digital tools available for just about any platform. How many tools and apps are you currently using to make the most out of your time? If you aren’t taking advantage of the apps and tools out there, you’re missing out. Depending on your needs, you can find the right tool below to support the most common time management challenges:
Rescue Time
RescueTime tracks how you use your computer by sending you weekly reports to indicate your time thieves. With this app, you may be surprised to know how much time you actually waste.
Remember the Milk
If you are struggling to coordinate stuff you have to do across many devices, this app if for you. It’s a free tool that’s compatible with your mobile devices, as well as your computer. Remember the Milk helps you manage your tasks easily and reminds you of them wherever you are.
Chrometa
Cut from the same vein as RescueTime, Chrometa automatically tracks everything you do on your computer and categorizes it. It has both Android and iOS apps for tracking time on your mobile devices as well.
Toggl
This online time-tracking tool is a great alternative to time-sheets if you need to track how much time you spent on different tasks and projects. It helps you analyze how you can manage them more effectively.
Focus Booster
If you tend to procrastinate a lot, this app is perfect for you. It is based on the Pomodoro Technique for individuals who feel overwhelmed by tasks. Focus Booster is designed to enhance your focus and make you feel more comfortable with the time you have.
Evernote
Evernote does a great job at organizing and archiving your tasks. With Evernote, you can capture your ideas, thoughts, and images in various ways. In addition, you can even record your meetings, interviews, and speeches as well as add voice or text attachments to share with friends. You can also sync Remember the Milk with Evernote to optimize your time.
