How I Manage My Time - 8 Tips that Changed My Life

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll explore eight essential time management tips shared by Jeff Su in his video. These strategies are designed to enhance productivity and help you balance a full-time job with additional side projects, like a YouTube channel. Whether you're managing work, personal projects, or studying, these tips can significantly improve your time management skills.

Step 1: Create a God’s Eye View

• Define your priorities: Take a step back and assess your overall goals and responsibilities.
• Use a planner: A digital or physical planner can help you visualize your tasks and commitments.
• Regularly review: Set aside time each week to review your priorities and adjust your plans as needed.

Step 2: Ticking the Box

• Break tasks into smaller steps: Divide larger projects into manageable tasks.
• Check off completed tasks: Use a checklist to give yourself a sense of accomplishment. This can motivate you to stay on track.

Step 3: Anti-McDonald’s Habit

• Avoid multitasking: Focus on one task at a time to improve efficiency and quality of work.
• Practice single-tasking: Dedicate specific blocks of time for each task without distractions.

Step 4: Inbox Zero Workflow

• Organize your email: Aim to achieve 'Inbox Zero' by regularly processing your emails.
• Use folders and labels: Categorize your emails for easy retrieval and management.
• Set specific times for checking emails: Limit email checking to designated times to avoid constant interruptions.

Step 5: The Atomic 80/20 Rule

• Identify the most impactful tasks: Focus on the 20% of your tasks that yield 80% of the results.
• Prioritize essential activities: Allocate your time and resources toward these high-impact tasks for maximum effectiveness.

Step 6: Prompt with Intention

• Be intentional with tasks: Clearly define what you want to achieve before starting a task.
• Set specific goals: Use SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) criteria to guide your objectives.

Step 7: The Recovery Forecast

• Plan for recovery time: After completing intense work sessions, schedule short breaks to recharge.
• Incorporate downtime: Ensure you allocate time for relaxation and leisure activities to maintain a balanced life.

Step 8: Capture and Organize

• Use digital tools: Employ apps or software to capture ideas and tasks on the go.
• Organize your notes: Keep your notes and ideas sorted for easy access and review.
• Regularly revisit: Schedule time to review and update your organized notes.

Conclusion

By implementing these eight time management tips, you can significantly enhance your productivity and effectively juggle various commitments. Start by creating a clear overview of your responsibilities, prioritize your tasks, and maintain organization in your workflow. Experiment with these strategies and adjust them to suit your personal style, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Consider subscribing to Jeff Su’s productivity newsletter for more insights and tips.