Times up! Game-changing strategies to turn your hours into power

We’ve heard it before—time is a limited resource. Every day, you’re bombarded with demands; work responsibilities, family commitments, social obligations, self-care, and the relentless pressure from social media to do more and be more. It can feel like you’re juggling an endless list of tasks in just 24 hours. 

Do you often find yourself overwhelmed by the day’s demands? Let’s explore how you can take control of your time and transform your productivity.

Taking charge of your time for better productivity

Effectively managing your time isn’t just about going through the motions – it’s about taking charge and making the hours work for you. In some roles, you’ll have less autonomy over your time than in others. As Xander, TSA’s Head of Reporting and former frontline agent, highlights: “Contact centres are excellent training grounds for time management. Our team members manage their time against key performance indicators like call duration and task follow-up, which sharpens their awareness of how effectively they use their time. This structured environment helps everyone become more organised and efficient.” Having a more defined daily routine can really assist with quick analysis, prioritising, and action. However, if you find yourself with more free rein over your day, managing your time can become a struggle. 

Here are some quick wins to help you take ownership of your time, whether your day is highly structured or largely self-directed:

Organise and prioritise your tasks

Start your day by reviewing your pending tasks. This essential habit helps you see exactly what’s on your plate, allowing you to prioritise effectively. Drawing from strategies discussed in our article, “Five actionable tips for personal growth and professional success,” ensure you capture all tasks, categorise them, and set clear priorities. This method empowers you to manage your workload with confidence and precision.

Get comfortable with saying No to more

While managing your tasks, you’ll also need to evaluate new tasks. Before taking anything new on, ask yourself if it fits with your current priorities and workload. If it doesn’t, it’s okay to say no. This is crucial not just for keeping your schedule manageable but also for ensuring you can focus on your most important tasks.

Listen to the full podcast here.

Cut the noise

Use time-blocking on your calendar to designate specific periods for focused work, meetings, and necessary breaks. This method allows you to manage your day proactively rather than reactively, ensuring that you allocate sufficient time for critical tasks while also accommodating essential downtime. Furthermore, leverage tools like “Do Not Disturb” modes on your devices to minimise digital interruptions, particularly during periods set aside for intense focus. Prioritising your workload and integrating mindfulness practices can also significantly enhance your ability to maintain concentration, even amidst potential distractions. By strategically scheduling your tasks and establishing boundaries, you reclaim your time and boost your productivity, making every hour count towards your success.

Delegate or ask for help

Identify tasks that can be delegated by considering their complexity, skill requirements, and the strengths of your colleagues. While not all roles allow you to delegate tasks, you can always seek collaboration. This is particularly important in autonomous roles where pooling skills and resources can lead to more efficient outcomes. Encouraging collaboration within your team creates a more supportive and cooperative work environment.

Review and adjust regularly

End each day with a quick reflection on what you’ve accomplished and what can be improved. Seeking feedback from colleagues and managers can also provide valuable advice and help you adapt and grow. Don’t forget to celebrate your small and big wins, as it helps to build a positive mindset and keeps you motivated every day.

Find what works for you

Exploring proven and tested techniques can take your time management to the next level, but understanding your personality type is key to this process. By choosing techniques that align with your natural tendencies and strengths, you can find what works best for you. Knowing yourself better – whether you thrive on structure or prefer flexibility – can make a big difference in how effectively you manage your time. 

This principle is clearly demonstrated by Mae Cee, TSA’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Known for her meticulous organisation and strategic thinking, she tailors her day to align with her methodical nature. “I begin each morning by planning my activities, listing my tasks, and then ranking them by urgency and importance. For time-sensitive tasks like scheduling social media content, I prepare them ahead of time and review them once they’re live.” This proactive approach not only lightens her workload but also enables her to concentrate on more substantial tasks. Reflecting on her achievements at the end of the day, Mae Cee notes, “It’s incredibly satisfying to review all that I’ve accomplished. It’s a powerful reminder that every small step of progress is moving me closer to my goals.” 

Understanding that each person has unique work habits and preferences is crucial to finding the right time management approach. The following techniques are not one-size-fits-all but are versatile enough to be adapted to various working styles. Whether you’re a procrastinator, a planner, or someone who thrives under pressure, there’s a method that can work for you.

Turn your hour into power

As you navigate through finding the time management style that will work best for you, remember that while feeling overwhelmed can occasionally arise, it doesn’t have to be a constant or defining aspect of your journey. Effective organisation and setting clear priorities can significantly mitigate this feeling. Begin by taking charge of your time: organise your tasks, plan your day with purpose, seek support when necessary, and deal with distractions head-on. By choosing a time management technique that complements your unique style, you can change your day from struggling to squeeze everything in an hour to making each hour count. 

You’ve got this! Remember, every day is an opportunity to refine your approach and celebrate your progress. Make your time your most valuable asset, and let your authentic self shine through in every task you tackle.

TSA are Australia’s market leading specialists in CX Consultancy and Contact Centre Services. We are passionate about revolutionising the way brands connect with Australians. How? By combining our local expertise with the most sophisticated customer experience technology on earth, and delivering with an expert team of customer service consultants who know exactly how to help brands care for their customers.