Tempe Chamber Of Commerce: 7 Time Management Tips To Maximize The Workday

Press release from Tempe Chamber of Commerce:

Brett Farmiloe

September 14, 2021

To help you manage your time better, we asked business professionals and small business owners this question for their best advice. From knowing what to prioritize to turning off app notifications, there are several ways that may help you find more time in your workday. 

Here are seven tips to optimize your day: 

• Utilize Time Blocking
• Go Back to Basics
• Prioritize Important Tasks
• Employ the Yoda Principle
• Make Time to Exercise
• Manage by Calendar
• Turn Off App Notifications

Utilize Time Blocking

Time and time again, I find myself returning to time blocking as the best time management strategy for me. I find that productivity all comes down to making time for the most important tasks, and the only way to do that — at least for myself and my particular approach to work — is to physically make time for the tasks. 

That means every Monday, I identify what I need to accomplish and then block out hours in my schedule throughout the week to get it done. It’s definitely a struggle and one that requires immense discipline, and I've missed the mark a lot. With time blocking, though, I feel I’m able to more effectively counteract unnecessary busyness, infinite distractions, and the overwhelming speed of the digital world.

Mike Krau, Markitors

Go Back to Basics

It may be simpler than we think. Go back to basics and write it out. I make a list every week of the items I need to accomplish. Next, I break it down by day to make sure that each item has adequate time to complete. If you are someone who is constantly in meetings, then block time off on your calendar to complete your tasks and give yourself a little "me time" during the day.

Shelbey Grimes, Trinity Air Medical

Prioritize Important Tasks

Focus on the most important task of the day first. Block off uninterrupted time first thing in the morning (the earlier, the better for fewer distractions) to focus on the number one priority of the day. What will make the most impact and move the dial to help you achieve success or reach your next goal? Identify that and work on that FIRST. Be very intentional with your time and reduce distractions; stop checking your email, phone, etc.

Alison Stine, Stine Wealth Management

Employ the Yoda Principle

To obtain optimal efficiency, eliminate the unnecessary, automate your processes, and delegate ownership. For remaining tasks, take a page from Yoda's playbook and simply do or do not. This strategy not only empowers your team, it ensures that what you collectively produce has optimal value.

Tim Toterhi, Plotline Leadership

Make Time to Exercise

One of the best time management tips to maximize your workday is to make sure that you carve out time each day to work out and exercise. Exercise is crucial in making sure that you have a productive day and do your best work throughout the day. On the days that I don't work out, I am way less productive and find it harder to get through the workday. Take the time to invest in yourself, your health, and your workday by taking the time to exercise each day before work.

Tyler Read, PT Pioneer

Manage by Calendar

The best thing I've done to improve my time management is to put everything into my calendar that I need to get done. I always heard when something is a priority, you make time for it, so I took it literally. This has not only kept me focused, but it has given me a much better understanding of how much time things actually take. If your calendar is visible, then it also can prevent others from taking over the time that you've set aside for your own priorities.

Phil Bryson, Desert Pro Home Buyers

Turn Off App Notifications

One way to manage your time during the workday is to make sure you turn off Slack or email notifications for select hours throughout the day. If there’s an emergency, have someone text or call you. That way, you can avoid the perpetual interruptions that come from notifications.

Darren Litt, MarketerHire

Terkel creates community-driven content featuring expert insights. Sign up at terkel.io to answer questions and get published. 

This press release was produced by Tempe Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.