This article is an adapted extract from my book "Prolific: the 33 laws of sustainable productivity", which delves deep into the principles and practices of sustainable productivity. In the book, I share a comprehensive guide to achieving sustainable productivity and unlocking your true potential. If you enjoyed this article and would like to learn more about the topic, I invite you to check out the book on Amazon here.
As you grow in age, the value of time becomes increasingly crucial. Time is a precious commodity that can never be replenished once it’s gone. Every minute that passes by is gone forever. This currency can only be spent once. But it has Two Functions, time as a friend, and a beneficial investment. And time as an enemy, a wasteful investment. Either way, you will keep the results of how you spent your time.
The prolific understand this law and they live with time as a friend. Giving a majority of their time their very best. The use of time in such a manner need not be restricted to work. The prolific have abundance firmly rooted in their psyche. Once diversified, they will start seeing ways to invest it in their personal lives and families to grow ties and the abundance of their loved ones. Their whole view of time is as a vast bank. They invest it daily in things that heighten the value of this resource but also take care of themselves to extend their own longevity.
A free individual is sovereign over where his time is spent. Whether he/she chooses to spend it building wealth, spiritual awareness, a family, watching TV, robbing banks…etc., is his/her own prerogative. We often forget that how we spend our time is ultimately the decisive element in the image we draw of our lives on the great canvas of existence.
Be disciplined with your portion of this wealth. Find mediums that will exhaust your greatest potential. Confident in the knowledge that over time you will achieve mastery and this will be converted in equal measure into greater circumstances for yourself. In the end, time as a friend will reward you with the object of your desires.
Many people start out in life with very little. No money, the wrong friends, and no education. Yet, once they begin working with time patiently to do things that will advance them to their deserved station, they effectively invest their time to their own benefit. If you’ve been paying attention, you will have noticed that every individual who put time into the right activities has come out ahead of those who didn’t, every time.
However, managing time can be a daunting task for many. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with daily responsibilities and distractions that lead to wasted time. Fortunately, there are practical techniques you can implement to manage your time effectively.
One technique is to use a to-do list. Make a list of tasks that need to be completed, prioritize them, and work through them one by one. This allows you to focus on completing one task at a time without getting distracted by other tasks. Additionally, checking off completed tasks on your list gives a sense of accomplishment, which motivates you to continue being productive.
Another technique is to use time-blocking. Time-blocking involves allocating specific times for specific tasks. For example, you can block out two hours in the morning to focus on work-related tasks, an hour in the afternoon for exercise, and another two hours in the evening for family time. This helps you to stay focused on the task at hand, increases productivity, and allows for a better work-life balance.
Additionally, learning to say “no” is an essential part of time management. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to please everyone and taking on too many responsibilities. However, this leads to burnout and ultimately wasted time. Learn to prioritize tasks and politely decline tasks that aren’t urgent or necessary.
Another technique is to minimize distractions. Social media, email notifications, and phone calls can easily take up a significant portion of your time. Set aside specific times to check your phone and email, and limit your time on social media. This allows you to focus on the task at hand and be more productive.
Finally, taking breaks is an essential part of time management. It’s easy to get caught up in work or other tasks and forget to take a breather. However, taking breaks can actually increase productivity in the long run. The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo, is a popular time management method that emphasizes the importance of taking regular breaks. The technique involves breaking work into 25-minute intervals, or qPomodoros, followed by a 5-minute break. After four Pomodoro, a longer break of 15-30 minutes is taken. This method helps to prevent burnout and fatigue, while also allowing for increased focus and productivity during work periods. Additionally, it can be helpful for those who struggle with procrastination, as the structured intervals provide a sense of urgency and motivation to complete tasks within the allotted time frame. By implementing the Pomodoro Technique, individuals can effectively manage their time and work more efficiently.
The idea behind the Pomodoro Technique is that by working in short intervals, you can stay focused and productive while avoiding burnout. The short breaks allow you to recharge and avoid fatigue, while the regular intervals help you stay on task and avoid distractions.
To use the Pomodoro Technique, simply set a timer for 25 minutes and work on a single task until the timer goes off. Then, take a 5-minute break before starting the next 25-minute Pomodoro. After completing four Pomodoros, take a longer break of around 20-30 minutes before starting the process again.
This technique can be especially helpful for tasks that require intense concentration, such as writing, studying, or programming. It can also be useful for breaking down larger projects into manageable chunks, allowing you to make progress without feeling overwhelmed.
Of course, the Pomodoro Technique is just one approach to time management, and it may not work for everyone. Some people may find that they work better in longer stretches, while others may prefer shorter intervals or a different method altogether. The key is to experiment and find what works best for you.
In addition to techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, there are many other strategies that can help you manage your time more effectively. Here are a few additional tips to consider:
- Prioritize your tasks: Start each day by identifying your most important tasks and prioritising them accordingly. This can help you focus your time and energy on the things that matter most, rather than getting bogged down in less important activities.
- Eliminate distractions: Identify and eliminate any distractions that may be hindering your productivity. This could include turning off your phone or email notifications, closing unnecessary browser tabs, or finding a quieter workspace.
- Set goals: Create specific, measurable goals for yourself and track your progress. This can help you stay motivated and on track, even when faced with setbacks or obstacles.
- Take breaks: It’s important to take regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and avoid burnout. This could include taking a short walk, doing some stretching or yoga, or simply taking a few deep breaths.
- Delegate tasks: If possible, delegate tasks to others to free up your time and energy for more important activities. This could include outsourcing tasks to freelancers or hiring employees to take on specific responsibilities.
By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can become more effective at managing your time and achieving your goals. While it may take some trial and error to find what works best for you, the payoff can be well worth it. With a little effort and dedication, you can turn time from an enemy into a valuable ally in your pursuit of success.
In conclusion, time management is an essential skill that can greatly impact one’s productivity and success in various aspects of life. Whether it’s prioritizing tasks, eliminating distractions, or implementing specific techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, there are various strategies individuals can use to effectively manage their time. By understanding the value of time as both a friend and an enemy, individuals can make conscious choices to invest their time wisely and achieve their goals. Remember, time is a limited resource, so make the most of it and use it to your advantage.
Touré, Writer 