Have you ever felt these before? 

Overwhelmed with numerous deadlines 

Lack of time 

I know what I wanted to do, but I do not know where to start 

If your answer is YES to most of the questions, congratulations! This post is the remedy for procrastinators. FYI, this post is mostly a paraphrase based on a YOUTUBE video by a famous YouTuber, Ali Abdaal (How I manage My Time - 10 Time Management Tips). I was always amazed by his high-quality youtube videos, and this time management video was one of my favourites. So I have decided to make a short reflection based on my understanding of the few tips. I believe that this post today may not be the perfect approach for all, but at least it may help a bit or more. Let's get started! 

We own all of our time 

In this video, Ali mentioned that “at any given moment you are doing what you most want to be doing”. Indeed, we are the ones who are always in control of our own time. The core of this tip is to make time for yourself. Everyone is given an equal amount of 24 hours a day. However, excellent time managers can complete many tasks per day. Meanwhile, the procrastinators managed to finish a few tasks only, given that they have sufficient time to accomplish more. The reason behind this is just simple. Time managers know how to make time. When you allocate time for a task, you can focus as you are currently doing what you wish to do. In other words, you are not easily distracted. I find myself immersed in a task when I am doing so as this is what I want to do at that moment. My mind won't flutter around. Hence, this results in highly effective work, especially for students. 

“Hell Yeah or No” 

This tip was suggested by the book by the name, written by Derek Sivers. It proposed that we should be brave to say 'NO'. People often find it hard to say 'NO' to various invitations, be it celebrations, gaming or sports. Hesitancy and timidness are the cause of a lack of time. We aren't really satisfied when we are not savouring what we are doing. Thus, don't be afraid to reject invitations where you find them less beneficial. Accept what you like or wish to do, and reject those where you are uninterested. Always remember that you only live once. Why should you be involved in something which can't bring you happiness? 

The Daily Highlight 

“If there are nine rabbits on the ground, if you want to catch one, just focus on one.” – Jack Ma. Undeniably, we can get things done by prioritising one major task. It needs a lot of effort to be a perfectionist, to complete many tasks excellently every day. You tend to burn out and feel exhausted. Sooner or later, you will lose motivation. Instead of that, decide on one major task which is crucial and needs to be accomplished without further delay. Set the urgent task as your daily highlight. Next, focus on the core task. You may only proceed to the other activities. This ends up with us completing the task on time and effectively, rather than multitasking without a satisfying end result. 

Use a to-do list 

To-do lists are highly recommended by most studygrammers due to their massive assistance. Get rid of the mindset of purchasing a stunning to-do list. We want to keep things simple. People often freak out when they have too many things in their minds. A to-do list comes in handy where you can scribble and jot down anything which comes into your mind. Then, arrange them in order. This is where you decide your daily highlight. It provides a sense of accomplishment when you get to strike off each box. On top of that, a to-do list reduces stress where we do not need to always recall back the tasks we wish to do. It also increases motivation as we are more energized to get things done and to strike off that box. 

Time blocking 

Time blocking is the method to divide our day into smaller chunks. It is simple, yet effective. First, schedule your daily highlight into the calendar. You have the first block dedicated to completing it. Next, fill up time gaps with other tasks. At the end of the day, review the task you couldn't finish. Allocate some time on the next day to complete them. Time blocking requires practice as you may be unable to follow a schedule strictly. However, at least it trains you to be disciplined in managing your time. You are clear about what to do at each moment. 

Parkinson's Law 

Parkinson's law refers to 'work expands to fill the time that we allocate to it'. This is where we can leverage artificial deadlines. Basically, people are encouraged to complete assignments as early as possible. Try not to do things late and avoid working the graveyard shift. Nonetheless, when there are a lot of tasks, it is reasonable to delay your work. You are allowed to finish your task just in time for the deadlines even though you are capable of completing it early. This is true as you can now make more time for relaxation or family events. It may seem a bit controversial with the typical mentality of getting things done early, but applicable procrastination is still reasonable, provided you can handle stress and unexpected emergencies wisely. 

Protected time 

This method comes along with the time-blocking tip. While allocating time blocks to each task, space out extra time. This 'protected time' is where you can continue your uncompleted tasks. For instance, you had dedicated two hours to writing your assignment essay. Meanwhile, you underestimated the time as you need more time to research materials. Thus, you ended up completing only about 50% of your essay. The protected time (perhaps an hour) can be applied to complete the next half part of the essay. Consequently, you are still able to achieve your mission. 

Delegation 

Smart people know how to delegate time based on priorities. Before starting a task or project, try to think of the dollar value of time. How much does this task worth per hour? Is it worth the effort to do something low-valued? To elaborate on this, whenever you wish to plan some task, spend some time considering the outcomes. For example, if you are less proficient in handling a minor task which requires little effort, you may consider leaving the task to the professionals. We are more confident doing what we are talented in. Choosing the right person for the right job really escalates productivity in life. 

Automated scheduling 

The automated scheduling system is like booking an appointment. The use of AI in this system allows it to select the best time for a task such as scheduling a meeting. It is effortless. All you have to do is to key in your wishlist and leave the rest to your little helper. This process reduces the effort to think and make an informed decision. 

The choice to be satisfied 

We tried our best to complete all tasks on the to-do list, but we failed. It is totally fine not to achieve all events on our wishlist. Instead of being pressured and guilty of the drawbacks, you can choose to accept them. It may not be perfect, but at least you managed to complete most of the tasks. That's satisfying enough as you met most of your targets. Mental health is especially important. Why should you destruct yourself for some minor disappointment? 

And that's the end of the post. This post may not be perfect as it is my first blogging experience. However, I hoped that it helped you a bit or more to be clear in time management. Feel free to comment down below on how these tips apply to you! Suggestions to improve my post are most welcome! 

A great thumbs up to Ali Abdaal for his practical tips. Attached below is his YouTube link regarding this post: