Are you stressed out about everything you have to do? Consider a few time management tips to help.
The right techniques can save you hours a week. Then, you can enjoy your life while managing your career or business. Read on for the details!
Start With What’s Non-Negotiable
One of the biggest time management tips is to consider what you have to do. There are some things you can remove from your schedule. Or you might be able to do them less than other things.
For example, you might have classes or a day job. Maybe you teach a certain number of private students every week. Start building your schedule around the things you can’t change.
If you have to do stuff at a specific time make note of that. Otherwise, you can be a bit more flexible. I’m a freelance writer, so I just have to make sure I finish projects before their deadlines.
Know Your Priorities
Next, you’ll want to know your overall goals for your career and personal time. If you want to audition for a pro orchestra, you’ll probably need to practice a bit more.
Having an idea of your priorities can help you manage your time. You’ll know what you need to focus on now and what can wait. For example, consider if you need to make more money.
You might have to work a bit more at a day job. Then, you can work on your studio or other projects later. Those things are still important, but they don’t have to take up your attention right now.
Outsource What You Can
Outsourcing sounds scary, and I’ll admit I haven’t done it much. But taking stuff off your plate is one of the best time management tips. If you can get others to do certain things, you can save a lot of time.
And you don’t even have to hire anyone. Maybe you ask your partner to make dinner one night to help you save time. Or you could decide to order out one night a week so that you can focus more on other things.
You shouldn’t take advantage of anyone. However, if you can outsource or automate certain tasks, do it. Then, you’ll get back more time to focus on things you can’t outsource.
Create a Plan
After you know what tasks you need to do each day or week, plan it out. You can schedule your time so that you know when you should do specific task. Or you could make a daily to-do list.
I find it easier to have a basic list of tasks for the day. That way, I don’t have to stick to a specific hourly schedule. Sometimes, things take longer than you expect, so it’s nice to have some wiggle room.
But I know some people need to schedule their time more. Consider trying both options to see what works for you. Then, you can use one system going forward.
Allow Time for Changes
If you do schedule your days more, include some room for changes. Things don’t always go to plan, so you need to account for that. For example, you might need a bathroom break between private students.
Instead of teaching back to back for multiple hours, give yourself a break every now and then. That way, you can be comfortable. And you’ll have time to do some admin work, such as invoicing.
The last thing you want is to try and do too much only to get behind. Part of time management is knowing what you can handle. So start small, and slowly add tasks as you know you can manage everything.
Let Yourself Relax
It can be tempting to be as productive as possible. But if you schedule something to fill every second of your day, you’ll eventually burn out. Your body will force you to take a break.
Don’t let that happen. Give yourself breaks now so that you can stay on top of your mental and physical health. I’d recommend at least taking a lunch break and if you teach late, taking a dinner break as well.
That way, you can eat some good food and fuel yourself for the rest of the day. You can also take shorter breaks to get water or a snack. Then, you’ll have more energy before your next meal.
Follow Your Body Clock
One of my favorite time management tips is to listen to your body. We all have a circadian rhythm, such as morning bird or night owl. When possible, follow your natural body clock.
Using myself as an example, I’m what’s called a daytime sleepy type. That means I can do pretty good work in the morning and around lunch. But by the middle of the afternoon, I need a break before getting a second wind in the evening.
Figure out what your chronotype is and follow it. Of course, some gigs happen at specific times, but do your best to schedule your other events accordingly. Then, you’ll have more energy and can make the most of your time.
Which Time Managements Tips Will You Try?
If you’re sick of wasting hours each week, you should consider a few time management tips. Then, you can be more productive but also have downtime to relax.
Do you want to learn how to manage your time in and out of the practice room? Download your copy of Time Management for Busy Musicians today!