In a world where time can quickly slip through our fingers, it can often feel a struggle to keep up with the demands of daily life.
Balancing work, family, relationships, and personal well-being can feel overwhelming. But it’s important to remember that it’s okay to ask for help or take a break when needed because, after all, we are only human. Effective time management is crucial for productivity, setting limits, and self-care.
So, here, Gill Mahon, Chief People and Places Officer at Totalmobile Ltd, shares her five practical tips to make the most of your valuable time.
Gill proudly serves as Chief People and Places Officer at Totalmobile Ltd, making history as the first woman to join the Board in 2021. With a career steeped in leadership roles within recruitment and HR, Gill passionately champions authentic leadership. Her mission is simple: she’s dedicated to making HR more approachable by ditching traditional jargon and helping leaders achieve business success through their people.
Prioritise with Purpose:
Try to start each day by identifying the critical tasks that align with broader goals. This ensures that energy is directed towards what truly matters, fostering a sense of accomplishment and progress. Don’t undervalue the significance of prioritisation.
The 5-Minute Rule:
In a world inundated with “just a quick task”, apply the five-Minute Rule. If a task takes less than five minutes to complete, do it immediately. This prevents the ever-growing collection of minor to-dos that can sometimes feel overwhelming and will free up mental space for more time-demanding challenges!
Strategic Time Blocking:
Time blocking is a cornerstone of effective time management! Start by carving out specific blocks in your schedule for focused work on particular projects or tasks that are on your list. This conscious approach helps guard against distractions, allowing for deeper concentration and heightened productivity. Utilising your emails insights can be a great starting point too!
Embrace the Power of No:
In a culture that often glorifies busyness, I advocate for the liberating art of saying no. Recognise personal limitations and being selective with commitments is key. This not only prevents burnout but also ensures that time is spent on things that align with your personal and professional goals. There is enormous power in saying “No”. It can even lead us to new opportunities that wouldn’t have been achievable by saying yes. And, it also allows us to set boundaries – and they are always important to have!
Have a Tech Detox:
Constant connectivity can be a double-edged sword. To enhance productivity, take an occasional tech detox! Designate specific periods without email, notifications, or social media, allowing for an uninterrupted focus on high-priority tasks or even some much needed you-time!
Mastering time management is an ongoing journey, and perfection is not the goal. Instead, it’s about cultivating habits that align with your individual strengths and objectives. By realising these five practical tips, you can navigate the intricate dance of time with strength and purpose. Give them a try!
