Do you sometimes get overwhelmed by your multiple priorities? I definitely have those moments.

Personally, I find it particularly challenging to manage my priorities after the children have been on holiday and they resume school. While this is a fun time for all of us as there is a lot to look forward to, it can be challenging to readjust our rhythms and routines to suit the added activities.

I used to stress and tried to fit more things into my day. It took me a while to understand there is a difference between time management and energy management. Now what I do is scale back commitments for a few weeks around that period to manage not just time, but also the energy levels of my kids and I. Time management and energy management definitely go hand in hand.

Common Time Management Mistakes and How To Overcome Them

Not prioritising tasks

Failing to prioritise tasks can lead to a scattered approach, wasting time on low-priority tasks while important deadlines go unmet. Each day I now ask myself what is the one thing I should do to give me the biggest gain. Anything else I do above this is a bonus!

Multitasking

Constantly switching between tasks can reduce productivity and increase stress levels. Research is showing that multitasking actually leads to less productivity. Instead of multitasking, focus on one task at a time. You can pair this with the Pomodoro method of breaking your work into 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. This helps to prevent burnout and increase focus.

Not setting clear boundaries

Not separating work and personal time can lead to burnout. Set clear boundaries and stick to them. With clear boundaries you can be truly present in the moment to show up as your best self. Not everyone will understand your boundaries, but you should choose to be kind to yourself by setting boundaries and respecting those boundaries.

Procrastination

Putting off tasks until the last minute can lead to stress and decreased productivity. A tip I give my clients is to plan how to tackle a project first before doing anything. Map out what is involved and then work backwards to assign timelines to the smaller tasks, taking into account what else you have on. If you constantly procrastinate, it could be there is a deeper underlying issue you need to address.

Not saying no

Saying yes to every request can lead to over commitment. Learn to say no to distractions and unnecessary tasks. A tip is not to say yes immediately when you are asked to do something. Tell the person you will get back to them after checking your other priorities. Then step back and see if you can really commit. Do not feel guilty if you have to say no.

Not using tools

Failing to use tools, such as calendars, to-do lists, and time tracking apps, can make it difficult to keep track of tasks and prioritize effectively. Making use of these tools will help you save time and stay organised. By offloading the task of remembering what you need to do onto these tools, you can be free to focus on getting things done without worrying about something slipping through the cracks.

Effective Energy Management

Time management alone is not enough. Energy, time, and boundaries are all crucial elements in achieving success and maintaining our health and well-being. In today’s fast-paced and ever-connected world, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and stretched thin. However, by effectively managing your energy, time, and setting boundaries, you can improve your performance and achieve your goals.

Energy management is about understanding and utilising your energy levels to achieve better productivity. This means identifying the times of day when you have the most energy and focusing on your most important tasks during these times. It also means recognising when you need to take a break and rest, and scheduling time for activities that recharge your batteries. Take the time to understand your energy levels and schedule your tasks accordingly.

Be flexible and not rigid as you manage both your time and energy.

Get Coaching To Maximise Productivity Whilst Prioritising Your Wellbeing

Take control of your time and reach your goals with our productivity coaching service! Learn how to manage your energy, set boundaries, and prioritise effectively. Let’s work together to achieve your success!

You can purchase the Goal Setting and Productivity Systems workshop and workbook. The workshop and workbook cover how to:

• Create a productivity system that supports your goals.
• Set your calendar to reflect your values.
• Build habits that last.
• Use different apps and techniques to enhance your productivity.

You can also book a free consultation and say goodbye to procrastination and hello to success!

I am passionate to see people and businesses have clarity to focus on what really matters by ‘de-cluttering’ the busyness that steals time. As a Growth Strategist I empower people and businesses to optimise and achieve maximum results by focusing on people, processes, and productivity.