As a full-time mother, part-time YouTuber, author, guest speaker, and co-owner of a baby gym, I am my own boss and responsible for managing my busy schedule. With no one to oversee my tasks or hold me accountable, I've had to learn the importance of self-discipline and effective time management.

While there are many benefits to being in charge of your own time, it also requires a great deal of responsibility and self-motivation. In this article, I'll share the strategies that have helped me succeed in managing my time effectively.

Why Practice Time Management?

Time management is a critical skill in the 21st century, as people have come to recognize the value of time. Unlike money or possessions, time is a resource that cannot be replenished once lost. As such, it is important to manage time effectively to control one's life.

Failure to do so relinquishes control of one's time to others, leaving little agency over one's own life. Fortunately, time management is a skill that can be learned and improved upon, like any other skill such as reading, writing, or learning a foreign language. By practising and developing this skill, individuals can take charge of their time and, in turn, their lives.

Tips to Managing Your Time Effectively

1. Make A List

To effectively manage your time, it is important to make a list of tasks that need to be completed throughout the day. Planning on a weekly basis can also be helpful, as it allows you to prioritize tasks for the upcoming week. While it may be tempting to plan far in advance, it is important to recognize that unexpected events can occur, making it difficult to stick to a rigid schedule.

2. Include Deadlines & Priority Level

When prioritising tasks, it is important to consider their deadlines and the value they bring in the long run. Once you have determined your priorities, it is crucial to schedule your tasks in a tight schedule. Successful individuals are often able to accomplish more because they have a schedule that leaves little room for procrastination or distraction.

3. Use the 5- Minute Rule

When allocating time to tasks, it is important to recognize that tasks will often take as long as the time you have allotted for them. Therefore, it is important to be realistic in your scheduling. Additionally, the five-minute rule can be helpful in completing small tasks that can often weigh on your mind throughout the day. Completing these tasks at the start of the day can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation to tackle larger tasks later on.

4. Use the Eat the Frog Strategy

When faced with a large and unpleasant task, it can be helpful to "eat the frog" and tackle it head-on. By completing this task early on, you can feel a sense of accomplishment and motivation to tackle other tasks throughout the day.

5. Learn to Say No

The fifth tip for effective time management is to learn to say no. This skill is applicable in all aspects of life, such as setting boundaries in relationships and work, and prioritising tasks to avoid overloading oneself. Multitasking is not advisable as it hinders one's full commitment to any task, thereby reducing productivity. Learning to say no and focusing on what matters is crucial in achieving one's goals.

6. Focus is Key

Focusing is essential in time management because it reduces stress, increases productivity, and improves the quality of work produced. By allocating specific time for each task and eliminating distractions, one can achieve better focus and produce quality work. Choosing quality over quantity is always the better option when one is focused.

7. Allocate Time for Rest and Recreation

One important aspect of time management is making sure to allocate time for rest and play. While working hard is important, taking breaks is equally essential for everyday practice. Rest and play allow the mind to wander and be more creative, leading to better productivity. This can be as simple as taking a power nap or going for a walk. It's important to allocate rest and play time every day, not just on weekends. The Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and taking a short break, can be a useful tool for managing time.

8. Employ a Checklist Strategy

Checking off completed tasks at the end of the day can also give a sense of accomplishment and motivate productivity for the next day. Time management is a skill that can be practised and improved upon, leading to better control over one's time. Finally, valuing time as a valuable resource can lead to making better decisions about how to spend it, such as walking away from events or people that are not worth the time.