Thursday 22 September 2016

Time Management Technique for Freelancers


If you are working from home or are a freelancer, you must have felt Short on Time, Burned Out, Lack of focus and Demotivated. Does it sound familiar?

Here is an awesome technique that will get you to be efficient and productive. Before I tell you more on this time management technique let us get a few things straight. Answer these questions:
  1. Do you know the tasks you have on hand?
  2. Are they prioritized?
  3. Do you follow a work schedule?
  4. Is the place you work minus all distractions? 

If you have answered any one or all as ‘No’, then get down to fixing them first. Here is what you can do:
  1. Create To-do lists of all the tasks/ assignments for the day
  2. Prioritize them
  3. Write down the time you will work on every assignment
  4. The work space must be spacious, clean, clear and minus all distractions. If you are working from kitchen, living room, this is a big distraction. Choose a different work space.

Now the real secret, that you have been waiting for.

Have you heard of Pomodoro Technique?

It is a time management technique was invented by Frances Cirillo in the 1980’s. The technique helps capitalize on time and efficiency. All you need to do is block 25 minutes and focus on work uninterrupted.

A motivational speaker Chris Winfield was able to reduce his work week to 50%, transform his career and balance his life by using the Pomodoro technique.

How you need to do?
  1. Choose one task/ assignment
  2.  Make a commitment of spending ONLY 25 minutes focused on the task
  3. Set a timer for 25 minutes
  4. Begin by resolving to accomplish one Pomodoro
  5. Take a short break of 10 to 15 minutes. If you are working on a household chore, then just 25 minutes, remember - one Pomodoro session only
  6. Add another session when you are ready to complete the task in hand
  7. Gradually, up your Pomodoro sessions

You will be able to optimize your productivity and achieve a balance in life. According to Chris - “When your energy is focused on just one thing, then you become more powerful.”

All of this requires you to be disciplined enough. You will find the time to flex your muscles, floss your teeth, exercise five times a week and spend valuable time with your family.

Hope all freelancers will find this technique useful and accomplish more. I have just begun using it and find the need to discipline myself. I say this to all working from home, as there are many distractions. Read my blog on setting up for success.

The technique will keep you more disciplined and achieve everything you want for the day. It will optimize productivity and help you achieve a balance in life.

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