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Self Assessment: 3 steps to more effective time management

4th Jan 2019
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As the deadline for Self Assessment draws closer, the demands on your time are likely to increase. And while you can’t physically add more hours into the day, you can alter your working style so that the time you do have can be maximised.

In this Self Assessment feature we’ll share 3 simple steps you can take to help manage your time more effectively, while making sure to take care of your own wellbeing at the same time.

Step 1: Don’t put things off

Procrastination is one of the biggest enemies of effective time management, but it's something most people have indulged in at some point or another. It's also a vicious circle: you know you really should be getting on with something, but the longer you avoid doing it, the guiltier you feel about it.

To help avoid procrastination, try setting personal deadlines for the tasks. If you're avoiding a particular task because it's too intimidating, divide it into smaller chunks (don't forget to set deadlines for those too).

Step 2: Manage distractions

Many workers find it impossible to avoid distractions – such as checking their emails or answering questions from colleagues – even when they're in the middle of an important task. But distractions can really eat into your day, especially if you're the type of person who tends to procrastinate.

An effective way to cope with distractions is to schedule time to deal with them – for instance, aim to check your emails at certain times during the day, rather than on an ad hoc basis. You may also want to set aside some time where you make sure you're not disturbed. If so, make sure your colleagues know that you don't want any distractions and switch off your phone.

Step 3: Take a break

Although this may seem like the last thing you should be doing during Self Assessment season, taking a short break can be beneficial for your productivity. Around every 90 minutes take breaks away from your desk, your computer, your phone. Research shows that brief (as little as 5 minutes) mental breaks will help you stay focussed on your task, help you to retain information, make connections and generally be more productive. Not taking breaks leads to confusion, increased pressure and eventually stress.

Other steps you can take

You can find out more time management techniques, including Stephen Covey’s time management matrix, in our article 5 way to prioritise your time.

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