Time Management, Research Paper Example

Introduction

It is shown through research that that time management results in several benefits that make it easier for human individuals to grasp the meaning of maturity, and the proper condition of dealing with pressure and stress that comes coupled with deadlines. Often, when a person is able to understand the value of time and relatively, they are able to work matters around it. They could then be considered mature enough to take on tasks responsibly. With time ruling every single activity that one engages with, it is very important that dealing with this matter in a mature fashion be taken carefully. To be able to highlight the importance of time management and its benefits to human individuals, this discussion provides a better source of understanding on how to mandate improved courses of living through the premise of working around time. In this paper, it can be clearly seen that time could be used as the source of opportunity, rather than a source of stress to be compacted down in failure.

I. Benefits in Personal Growth

A. Using Time Management Techniques Reduces Stress

Time management is considered as the process by which one tries to measure realistically what one can do within a specific span of time, and makes sure that those tasks are completed accordingly. Scheduling tasks through properly laid out plans makes it easier for an individual to see the duties through which one has to complete for the day. This way, they are able to track which specific jobs can be completed at one point in time, and which tasks can be put aside for the next day.

Nevertheless, being realistic in planning tasks is essential. No one can ‘turn back the hands of time’ and still be able to complete simultaneous tasks with 100% accuracy. Hence, when setting up a schedule, one must be able to seek proper ways that could assist one in becoming more effective in completing matters. This would be the best way to unlock one’s full capacity in fulfilling one’s purpose in any given day. Time management helps to prioritize tasks (Mayo, 2012). It can be understood that part of reality is the need to prioritize matters. Which task is more important and which ones should be done immediately; these considerations should be given attention to when creating a task schedule.

When developing such a schedule, there are several points to keep in mind. Firstly, a realistic number of tasks should be assigned per day. As a general rule of thumb, daily tasks should not exceed 5-10 at the most, although major tasks can be broken down into sub-tasks. Secondly, time allotted to each task should be small enough to finish tasks in a reasonable amount of time, and large enough to transfer extra time to another task, if need be. In this way, time in managed in an efficient and more effective way. Lastly, at the end of the day, all tasks should be reviewed and compared to the previous day’s task schedule, so that tasks can be completed to a higher standard for the next day.

One specific matter that should also be considered in creating realizable schedules is the fact that that one cannot do all alone. Relatively, when there are instances that a task is too big, a person should realize and accept that he cannot complete everything on time, on his own. In this case, delegations of tasks come in handy. Delegation can assist in managing time effectively, which is a crucial form of time management (Mayo, 2012). It may mean that the person would have to deal with others, mandate their movements and ensure they complete their duties. Nevertheless, it would be helpful if one is more considerate of other individuals, while also doing his best to complete the tasks assigned under his own mandate. This way, stress and pressure is reduced accordingly.

B. Time Management helps an Individual Achieve Important Goals

Time management helps people realize which goals are most important (Board, 2007). As noted earlier, prioritizing is an important part of time management. This way, the person or the team one is part of is able to accomplish achievements that are important enough to define their capability. This is especially true when instances of time pressure to perform happen to occur.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that not all approaches to task scheduling works for everyone. There is a general misconception that one technique works for all (Board, 2007). Hence, it is strongly suggested that when a schedule is being established, the one handling the planning process should be able to know the strengths and weaknesses of the people one works with. Thus, one will be able to know which tasks to assign to whom, and what they will be able to accomplish in full command.

Delegation, as mentioned earlier, is crucial to completing major tasks and building rapport with others. Without the assistance of others, numerous tasks may not be completed, deadlines cannot be met, and expertise in certain areas are not realized and utilized to their full potential. Therefore, when more than one person is working on a task, often more than one task is completed in a smaller period of time.

II. Productivity

Notably, when priorities are set straight and the condition of achievements are realistically defined, improved productivity comes as a bonus to the result of the hard planning procedures. What makes task scheduling especially important is the way by which it empowers people to work smarter, not harder; with full consideration on the time they use to accomplish their tasks. Through this form of empowerment, people become fully aware of the fact that they are expected to complete matters based on the time allowances provided to them. This way, they are given the chance to be more productive, in line with the way they handle their duties either at work, at school or in their daily lives as a whole.

The saying “time is money” is true in the business sense of the phrase, and in relation to time management, it is quite central. The key to productivity is separating tasks into distinct groups. There are two types of tasks; (1) essential tasks; and (2) non-essential tasks. The former are very important and must be completed as soon as possible; the latter are not as important, and can be completed at any point in time.

Often, when tasks are completed in rapid succession, productivity increases. However, some things are left out or overlooked; it is up to the productive individual to identify such discrepancies and endeavor to fix them.

To ensure that productivity is increased in any environment, a proper approach is to be utilized to complete tasks in an efficient manner. Often, tasks are not completed to a high standard, or are not completed at all, due to the lack of adequate tools and procedures.

For tasks to be completed productively there are four main principles that should be followed. Firstly, the person in charge of delegates needs to ensure that specific guidelines are, instead of generic ones, are set out. This ensures that each person knows what to do, and how to do it. Secondly, the person in charge of delegates should lead by example. This ensures that delegates can ask feedback to improve how they endeavor to complete tasks. Thirdly, the person in charge of delegates should work closely with them to improve methods of completing tasks. This ensures that delegates are aware of the importance of planning and principles. Fourthly, the person in charge of delegates should be responsible for planning the work to be done. This ensures that delegates follow this specific plan and complete the work as required.

III. Well-being

Stress can manifest through physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, social, or behavioral symptoms (CSB; SJU, 2013). When one becomes overtly controlled and consumed by stress, a person relatively finds it hard to manage himself, and likely is unsatisfied with the life one lives. Nevertheless, with the consideration imposed upon the value of managing time through scheduling tasks accordingly, one is able to realize a sense of accomplishment. With a realistic schedule, stress can be avoided, thus improving the whole wellbeing of any individual.

It is critically important, as aforementioned, that one does not find themselves swamped under stress. Using specific time management skills that have been discussed, one can avoid negative stress and improve wellbeing. There are a few additional points, however, that one should consider when maintain wellbeing – both physically, emotionally, spiritually, socially and behaviorally.

For physical wellbeing, a proper diet and regular meals are crucial for sustenance, especially when facing a busy schedule. In addition, regular exercise and breaks from work should be included into one’s schedule, especially to face work in a fresh light and achieve efficiency with a ‘well being’.

For emotional wellbeing, include delegates who give support when encountering a hectic schedule. Not only will tasks be completed more rapidly, but a clear mind will ensure that tasks are thought through and finished to the best of one’s ability. This allows a healthy outlook to tasks, and the support to get things done.

For spiritual wellbeing, good books often create a good diversion from overload of work. Also, time spent in quiet contemplation and meditation with God will allow one to shift priorities into focus. This is one of the best ways to ensure that your wellbeing is kept up for a longer period of time, and surrounding oneself with people who are like-minded in such a regard is important in such a crucial aspect.

For social wellbeing, it is important that one maintains a core group of individuals who act as ‘mentors’, and release stress and increase positive direction. When one’s comfortable amongst friends, it is easier to focus on tasks at hand. Nevertheless, it is vital to ensure that this social group of friends does not distract from the main goal or tasks to be completed in the day.

For behavioral wellbeing, a positive attitude to work needs to be maintained. A mental balance between work and rest should be utilized so that one is not too busy, nor too idle. If and when behaviors change, the people that one encounters will be able to provide feedback on such behavior, so that the right wellbeing is maintained.

Conclusion

The importance of time management is not to be underestimated. When a proper task schedule is utilized, one finds that tasks can be completely efficiently and effectively. The importance of achieving goals and productivity, as mentioned, are the key to completing tasks to the best of one’s ability. Additionally, reducing negative stress and increasing the wellbeing of oneself is crucial to improving time management. By following these principles, the failure of finishing tasks is avoided, and the success of time management can be unlocked.

Reference List

Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. (2007). Counseling Center at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

College of Saint Benedict and Saint John University. (20130. Stress and Time Management. Retrieved from: http://www.csbsju.edu/chp/health-promotion/health-advocates/mental-health/stress-and-time-management.htm

Mayo. (2012). “Time management: Tips to reduce stress and improve productivity”, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.