Managing your time effectively is a useful skill to have especially these days when there are so many opportunities and options that we can choose from out there. Many people who are always on the go would like to believe that they are good at managing their time however some of those people (namely people like me) may not realize time management goes so much further than just being able to complete tasks on time but rather choosing wisely which opportunities to go after.
And if you’re like me and despite being able to complete your tasks on time but have this sinking feeling like somehow
Then read on because I did a similar article last year (around this time too) about managing time but somehow I just get a feeling that I’m still not utilizing my time to the fullest. So below are a few signs to help you figure out whether or not you have a problem when it comes to managing your time:
1. Being Tardy to almost everything.
I do understand that it is difficult to always be on time but if you’re finding yourself late to every single event you may need to stop for a minute and reassess your ability to properly manage your time. Although I am hardly ever late, but I have been on the other end of the waiting game where I once had to wait 45 minutes for someone and believe me it was not fun.
I remember awkwardly sitting in the shop telling the waiter ‘Oh no, I’m still waiting for someone and am not ready to order’ all while I was using their Wi-Fi on my computer.
2. Having to always rush for something
Does your life feel like a never ending marathon where you keep switching from one task to another? I must admit that there too was a time where I used to think that being in an unending state of rushing means that I am being productive but I’ve come to realise that I was wrong.
When I’m always rushing it usually means that I have failed to estimate the time needed to complete a certain task accurately thus leaving me almost zero time to properly plan for all the components that needs my attention. That’s bad time management right there.
3. A drop in performance at work
Speaking of having almost zero time, when I have a ton of things to do but with not enough bandwidth to do all of them I tend to try and do all of them at once – yes I know that’s not very smart but I can’t help it the never give up attitude in me refuse to let me admit that I can’t do something.
The result of such a situation has often also affected my ability to perform. And the red flags go way up for me that it’s time to reevaluate the situation and get a more realistic grip on my scheduling skills.
4. Always feeling tired or stressed
It’s simply horrifying now that I stop to think about it -how the inability to manage time can affect so many aspects of my life? The inability to manage time usually leaves people feeling either like stressed by the amount of work they have to do or tired because they’re forever catching up to the things they have to do.
If you are always overwhelmed by the amount of things you have to do maybe it’s time to take a step back and reevaluate how you’re filling up your schedule instead of stressing about always not doing something. Life is supposed to be about a balance of doing the things you want to do and doing the things you have to do.
5. Having to go back on your word
Remember that one time where you promised your best friend you will be there for her open mic but had to cancel last minute because you have too much work or remember the other time you promised your sister you would buy your mother a birthday present but only realized your forgot to get anything a day after your mum’s birthday?
I will be there first to admit I may have found myself in one of those situations and then some. When I started forgetting three events in a row that’s when I know – yep I probably need to stop having that weird fear of missing out when I say yes to everything.
6. You are known to procrastinate
If you’re not sure whether you are known to procrastinate here’s a quick test.
Step 1: Are you supposed to be doing something?
If answer is YES.
Then: Are you doing anything else to avoid doing that something?
If answer is still YES:
You’re procrastinating.
But what if it’s something else that is equally as important?
Yes, you’re still procrastinating.
Just think of it this way, if the guy at McDonalds gave you a double cheese burger when you asked for a Big Mac. Does it still count as him getting your order wrong?
(Image from http://kingdom-hearts-unlimited.wikia.com/wiki/Yzma)
The answer is YES, although you may think what you’re doing to replace it is equally as important but just like the Double Cheese Burger it isn’t the same thing.
7. Unwilling to delegate tasks
If you are a firm believer in the saying ‘If you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself!’ then you my friend are most likely not using your time effectively. Can we all agree that it is almost next to impossible to do everything by yourself?
By taking on everything on your own and having a fear to let anyone else do even the simplest of things is a vice you have then it’s time to lose that vice because there’s a big red siren going off somewhere that’s going to tell you that you’re not effectively using your time.
8. You are always having to sacrifice the things you really want to do
As fully functioning adults, we all have to make certain sacrifices when it comes to the things we want to do, it could be because of budget restrictions, time restrictions or even prior commitments we have made to help others. But if you always have to sacrifice doing things that you really want to do because you don’t have time then it is time to fess up and admit that you have bad time management.
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