Have you ever looked at your daily task list and felt overwhelmed with everything you had to accomplish? Well, you are not alone! Managing your time effectively is one of the keys to achieving success in life - but how do you go about doing that? It’s a crucial and often misunderstood skill, but with a few key questions, you'll be able to unlock the potential of time management.

THE 5 Ws OF TIME MANAGEMENT

Time management is not a one size fits all solution, as what works for one person may not work for another. The key is to find what works best for you and then commit. In order to unlock the power of time management, it is important to understand the five key questions. We'll explore the 5 Ws of Time Management - Who, Why, What, Where, and When - so that you can make sense of your tasks and better manage your time.

WHO SHOULD I ASK FOR HELP?

Who is responsible for managing your time? You are the only one who can ultimately control how you spend your time. We all have different strengths and weaknesses, and it's important to recognize what is the best way to use your time and play to your strengths. You can also outsource certain tasks that others are better suited for. By delegating tasks, you also gain time for yourself to further your goals.

WHY AM I DOING THIS TASK?

There are a number of reasons why you may be performing a certain task. It could be because you enjoy doing it, it produces good results, or it is necessary for your job. However, in order to manage your time properly, it is important first to identify the reason why you are doing the task. Once you know the reason, you can then determine whether or not the task is worth your time.

For example, if you are cleaning your house because you enjoy a clean environment, then the task is likely worth your time. However, if you are cleaning your house because you feel like you have to in order to meet someone's standards, then the task may not be worth your time. In this case, it would be better to spend your time on something else that is more productive and enjoyable.

WHAT TASKS SHOULD I PRIORITIZE?

What are your priorities? What is most important to you? What do you need to accomplish in order to feel successful?

The answer depends on what your goals are. If you're trying to get ahead at work, then you'll want to prioritize tasks that will help you move up the ladder. If you're trying to spend more time with your family, then you'll want to prioritize tasks that will give you more quality time with them. For both, you’ll need to find a good balance.

Start by determining your most important goals. Once you identify these, you can focus on the tasks that you should be prioritizing.

WHERE SHOULD I DO MY TASKS?

Where will you work on each task? Do you need to be in a specific place in order to complete a task? If so, make sure to factor that into your plans. Alternatively, if there are certain places where you know you won’t be able to get work done (e.g., watching TV), then try to avoid those places.

This question also comes into play when planning in-person meetings or online meetings. Determine the time you need, the level of distractions you can handle, and if the location is equipped to help you achieve success. There is no wrong answer here, it's all about finding what works best for you.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DO MY TASKS?

When will you work on each task? This question encompasses both scheduling and deadlines. Once you have a handle on when something needs to be done, you can better plan out when you will work on it. Make sure to allow some flexibility in your schedule in case unexpected things come up.

The best time to do your tasks depends on what kind of tasks they are. If you have to do a lot of thinking and planning, it's better to do those kinds of tasks when your mind is fresh. If you have more physical energy, you may want to save those kinds of tasks for when your body is best equipped for this. But ultimately, it depends on what works better for you and your schedule.

FINAL THOUGHTS

By taking the time to ask yourself these five key questions, you can get a better understanding of how to manage your time and unlock its power. From establishing daily routines to learning when it's ok (and not ok) to say yes, each of these considerations provides insight into managing priorities and improving productivity. If you're not good at keeping track of time or finding help for yourself or your business, there are plenty of other resources available, including my time management courses. Time management isn't something that happens overnight - it requires dedication and a little bit of trial and error - but with practice, you'll be on your way towards unlocking its power.