Time Management Tips You Need

Time management is really important for trades people. It’s about working smarter instead of harder.

Developing good time management as an apprentice will set you up for a big future. It’s all about planning – and having the discipline to follow your plan. 

Here are some tips for making your time count.

1. Set clear goals

Know what your short term and longer term tasks are – this will help you separate what’s important from what’s not. Once you’re clear about your task list, you can begin to prioritise them.

2. Make a to-do list

To-do lists can be your best friend. They increase your productivity, help you clear your mind and save you from stress.

Spend five minutes planning your tasks at the start of the day - better still, prepare your list the night before. Write out your tasks either on paper or on your phone. Break down large or complex tasks into smaller pieces and then focus on them one at a time.

3. Make a schedule

Using your to-do list as a base, make a schedule for the day and week ahead, including time for breaks and other possibilities. The schedule needs to be realistic, with time built in for interruptions and unscheduled events. The added time you build in will depend on the nature of your work. Having a schedule means you won’t waste time and energy thinking about where you have to be next – just follow your schedule.

4. Just do it

Everyone is guilty of procrastinating but, for some, it’s a chronic problem that is a major obstacle to success. It’s important to look at the causes of your procrastination – are you underestimating the time required or difficulty of the task. Do you have a fear of failure? The only way to break a habit is to act opposite to it, so stop putting things off and just do it.

5. Manage your communications

Emails, texts and phone calls constitute the single biggest obstacle to effective time management. Try to avoid continuous email and text distractions and let your phone go to voicemail – so can keep you focused on the task at hand. Tell your family and friends not to expect an immediate response. Let them know that you’ll respond at specific times of the day.

6. Keep a time log

It’s useful to track your activities and how much time each task takes. This will give you a realistic understanding of how you spend your time. You may be surprised by how much time certain tasks take. This will also help you plan your time when you take on the same tasks in the future.

7. Take regular breaks

Breaks will keep your mind fresh and focused. If you decide to work straight through, you may be putting in more hours, but it’s likely you’ll be less productive and potentially putting your safety at risk.

8. Delegate tasks

You won’t always have time to do everything yourself. If you can, delegate tasks that others can perform faster or better.

9. Learn how to say ‘no’

Your time and resources are limited, so you can’t say yes to everything. You have to stick to what’s important and know when to just say ‘no’. It’s better to be honest about what you can get done up front, than try to take on too much and leave people disappointed that you didn’t get it all done.

When you adopt good time management, everything across your day will get easier. And there is less likelihood you’ll need to work late, as you’ve managed to finish everything on schedule.