There are so many time management techniques that it gets challenging to choose the best for us. We then place our bet on the most popular or trending method that everyone talks about.
Result?
What we expect: The chosen technique solves our struggle with time. We feel more productive, and managing work gets easy.
What actually happens: Over time, we feel the technique is consuming more time than saving. It requires a lot of additional planning and getting difficult to follow.
Not that this happens with everyone, but when we follow what others are doing, there are high chances of an expectation gap.
It did happen to me. Did it ever occur to you?
Is the technique wrong or your choice?
I say your choice is wrong.
If you are not good with planning and organization, going with the Getting Things Done (GTD) technique is the wrong choice.
If you are a procrastinator and cannot make long-term goals, then going with Eat That Frog technique may work wonders for you!
The point I am trying to make here is that any technique you choose should empower rather than block you.
How to identify which is the best technique?
Follow this very simple 3-step process:
Define your working style. Are you a planner, long-term thinker, focused worker, firefighter, short-goals, daily worker, etc.?
Identify your blockers. What issue are you facing, and what do you think can improve the existing routine? For example: — you have multiple projects to work on, but there are random distractions from either project, which wastes your time in to-and-fro. Or, you find it difficult to focus on important work. Or do you struggle with decision-making and deciding what is important for you?
Match the following. Is the technique addressing your blockers? Are you willing to put in the required effort? What core purpose does the technique resolve?
These three steps will certainly help you identify your best matching time management technique that makes a difference in your routine, productivity, and overall performance.
Read this article on time management strategies here on my blog.
This article was originally published by me on Medium.com