Time management is an essential skill, and it’s especially vital in a fast-paced environment like CauseLabs. And over the years, I’ve developed a system that helps me focus on what matters most, prioritize effectively, and ensure I’m always aligned with our mission.
Impact-First Prioritization Method:
To start my day, I begin with some meditation and grounding exercises. Then I take a quick look at my calendar for the day and scan my emails just to find any new action items. Once that’s done, I make a list of all the tasks that need to be done. But instead of jumping right into them, I take a few moments to think about the impact each task can have. To do this, I ask myself “How does this task align with our mission? How will it drive positive change and create meaningful impact?” Doing this little task reflection exercise helps me prioritize tasks based on their potential for having a huge impact.
Time Blocking:
After all my tasks are prioritized, then comes time blocking. This technique splits your day up into different blocks of time, and each block is dedicated to a specific task or activity. These blocks are then added directly to my calendar and during this, I account for my energy levels. For me, technical time blocks are best reserved for the mornings. Not only does this help me stay focused by making sure everything has its own time slot but it also makes sure every task gets enough time allocated to get done properly. When using this method, it’s important to be realistic with your time estimates and include buffer times for breaks and unexpected interruptions.
Mindful Breaks:
It’s easy to get lost in all the hustle that goes on during the day and forget to take a step back sometimes. So what I’ve found helpful is taking short mindful breaks throughout the day because they help me recharge my energy levels while making sure I still keep clarity in my mind. And these breaks don’t have to be lengthy at all – just five to ten minutes is more than enough. Whether it’s a quick walk or a Power Nap, these breaks are essential for maintaining productivity and preventing burnout.
Reflect and Adjust:
Every week I spend some time reflecting on how things went. I look at what went well and what could be improved. This little reflection exercise allows me to adjust my strategies, learn from any challenges that come up, and improve my time management skills overall. I jot down all my wins and challenges. Then once a month, I take those reflections and share them with either my EO Forum or women’s circle. Those groups act as business masterminds where we get the chance to gain experience shares and work through some of our challenges together.
Purposeful Time Management:
To cap everything off, my best tip for managing your time effectively is to align your tasks with your purpose. When you know exactly why you’re doing something, it becomes much easier to prioritize, stay motivated, and make optimal use of all the minutes in your day. Just remember this…it’s not about being busy; it’s about being impactful.
If time management for you and your organization includes finding assistance for certain tasks, CauseLabs is here to help. We are a purpose-driven company with an experienced team in all things digital. We can relieve some of your stress if your time blocks are overbooked, or if you find yourself doing necessary business tasks, but they feel less aligned with your mission or your energy to complete them in a timely manner.
