The beginning of a new year always brings about new goals, new resolutions, and new dreams. For most of us it is not a lack of dreams or goals that sets us back before we even begin, it is the lack of time that really kicks us in the butt and sets us back from a strong start. 

As a project manager, I’ve learned that I cannot add more time to my days, but I can certainly learn how to manage it so time doesn’t end up controlling me. Whether you are setting personal or career goals below are my go to time management skills to help you keep those dreams on track: 

1. Time Blocking 

Time blocking is a great way to create space in your busy schedule. By creating blocks of time that are dedicated to a specific activity you are signaling to your brain and those around you that this is a priority and of importance to you. Whether you need to purge out your closet or set time at work to complete a proposal, block out time on your calendar or set a timer to a specific timeframe that is solely dedicated to this activity. In doing so, you allow yourself to focus for a very specific time and accomplish as much as possible without wasting time. 

If you need to minimize distractions (especially at work) , set an automatic reply message to help alert others that you are unavailable during this time and/or silence notifications on your devices. 

Here’s my go to reply message as a sample: 

Thank you for your message! I am currently working on a time sensitive project and will not be checking/responding to emails for the next hour. Thank you for your patience, I will review your message as soon as I’m done working on this project.

2. Eat the Frog 

Don’t let this funny phrase fool you.This is one of the most successful task management techniques out there. In his book Eat That Frog: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time, Brian Tracy outlines tips and techniques to maximize the time you have. This technique, inspired by a Mark Twain quote ( “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.”) basically boils down to identifying your most important/difficult task (the frog) and completing it as your first task of the day. 

I’ve put this technique to the test many times, and every time it wins! By accomplishing that difficult task first, I am motivated to complete the rest of my tasks through the day. 

3. Self Awareness 

Of all the techniques and tricks I’ve used over the years to keep me on track, this has been the most valuable. Learning what works for you and what doesn’t is going to be key for any of these techniques to work effectively. It’s important to figure out how you are wired. This will help you identify what rewards and systems will keep you accountable to accomplishing your tasks and goals. 

Whether you are planning to pursue a new career venture this year, or simply need to get some healthy habits added to your routine, these time management techniques will create space to help you accomplish them. 

And remember, it’s a matter of trying and seeing what works best for you. Don’t get discouraged if one or any of these techniques don’t work right away. Give yourself grace and try again, or even better buddy up with a friend and keep each other accountable. This fast-paced world will throw a lot of obstacles our way and all we can do is try our best!