Free Up Your Workday to Focus on More Essential Tasks

Whether you’re a software engineer, project manager, or digital marketer, a productive workday can easily get thwarted if you can’t stick to your schedule due to sudden changes or unforeseen distractions. Other times, there’s simply too much to do and too little time for every task in your schedule.

If you’re facing problems balancing your day-to-day work schedule, here are some ways you can free up time in your workday to focus on more essential tasks.

Stick to the Schedule

The most common mistake most people make when setting up their schedule is underestimating the amount of time a task will take. Make sure you set aside enough time on your schedule for any tasks you’re planning. That way, you won’t rush things or have to find more time to complete those tasks. Also, when you have a meeting time set, stay on task and don’t let it go over the scheduled time.

Prioritize Tasks and Cut Waste

When scheduling your tasks, create a ranking system to help identify which tasks to prioritize first. Once you’ve assigned the tasks according to your ranking system, eliminate or delegate tasks that are low priority to you. When scheduling the priority tasks, remember to allot more time than you think you’ll need to ensure you aren’t in a rush.

Once you cut down on wasted time like social media browsing, you’ll find that you also have more time to relax and contemplate essential tasks.

Automate Processes

While setting up your schedule, try to automate as many tasks as possible to increase efficiency and save time. One way to automate processes is to use a project management system that tracks all the details from start to finish, making projects as efficient and streamlined as possible.

Many software and templates are available that can help create automated processes, such as a marketing plan or social media content calendars. When you pair up your plans with automated processes, it helps eliminate delays and forecast potential problems. Also, you can use the same process for similar future projects as well, so no need to constantly repeat the setup process.

Eliminate Distractions

If you have a busy work schedule and have to maintain long hours, eliminating potential distractions can go a long way to free up your workday for more important tasks. But sometimes distractions can also be a good thing, especially if they can help get our mind out of a rut. Set criteria for what you view as a good versus bad distraction, as this may be different for everyone.

If you have a smartphone, a great way to ensure you don’t get distracted while working is to ensure that your social media and other messaging app notifications are turned off, so you don’t feel obliged to pick up your phone as frequently.

Set Some Boundaries

Setting up boundaries is very important if you want to have a productive day. More often than not, you’ll find that you’re doing work that isn’t your responsibility in the first place. Doing a favor for a colleague or friend once in a while is okay, but if you’re constantly trying to keep up with other people’s requests while trying to do your own work, you won’t be able to stick to your schedule.

Do work that is within the scope of your job description. Talk to a supervisor or HR if you feel you are being asked to do unnecessary or inappropriate amounts of work. Try to maintain working office hours and leave when you are scheduled to leave. This way, you’ll have the necessary personal time to rejuvenate and destress, making you more efficient during work hours.

Efficiency is Key

Scheduling your day properly isn’t something you’ll be able to do overnight, even if you follow all the tips and advice provided above. There is a lot of trial and error involved, which will help you organize your optimal schedule and focus on more important tasks. Start following these tips and fixing your schedule today, so you have more time for essential tasks.