Time Management: How to Get Everything Done

April 23, 2021

For the longest time, I found it hard to get everything done in a day. So I did some research and came up with a few ideas for better time management. 

1. Time Blocking

The first time management tip I found was time blocking. What this means is you take your tasks and convert them into blocks of time on your daily schedule. When time blocking, it is also helpful to try and batch similar tasks together to make more efficient use of your time. This allows you to focus your energy on the most important items, and be less distracted by incoming items.

2. The "Frog First" Method

Someone very wise taught me about the "Frog First" method of time management. This method asks you to eat your largest "frog" first thing in the morning. I used to always check off smaller items first so that I felt more accomplished. But once I started doing my hardest task first, it made the rest of the day sail by--without the large task looming in the distance. 

3. Ivy Lee Method

Another method of time management I found is called the Ivy Lee Method. In this method, you pick six tasks each day and sort them in priority order. You then work your way through the list until it is completed. 

4. Four Categories

The last method of time management I found is called "Four Categories." This requires you to sort your tasks into the following four categories: (1) Important & Urgent, (2) Important, But Not Urgent, (3) Urgent, But Not Important, and (4) Not Urgent & Not Important. By sorting your tasks into these categories you can easily identify the tasks you need to complete, the tasks you want to complete, and the tasks that can always be saved for a later day. 

For me, utilizing both Time Blocking and the "Frog First" Method has been most helpful in increasing my productivity. However, there are several ways to increase productivity, you just have to find the method that works for you!