Do you secretly feel that today is a special day? That you've been chasing the facts all day, but you can't put your finger on it? That's right, because today is the shortest day of the year. We probably don't have to tell you that this day (just like all other days) also has 24 hours. Only today the sunrise is at the latest and the sunset is at the earliest. And that's why you get the feeling that you're following along like a snail. You're already feeling nauseous thinking about your to-do list for today. Stop! Let's get to the point, this day is already so short ;). Here are 3 useful tips about Time Management.

1. Set priorities

You can't do everything in one day. You cannot write an extensive report, attend several meetings, make appointments, consult with employees and complete a major project in one day. One task is more important than the other and that is why you have to set priorities. At the start of your working day, determine the top 5 tasks that really need to be completed. Write down these 5 tasks and then work on them step by step. There are various ways to keep this clearly organized. For example, writing down 'old school' with pen and paper and then you can no longer find the sheet ;). A faster way is through an online to-do list. You will never lose it, it is clear and easy to use.

2. Dare to say “No”.

This morning there was a huge pile of paper on your desk. You are working well and the end is finally in sight. You almost pat yourself on the back for working so hard. You are really doing well and you are in a good flow. And then suddenly - out of nowhere - your cheerful colleague comes along who needs your help right away. Then dare to say no. Just do it! You are now comfortable and if you help him now, the pile of paper on your desk will not get any smaller. If you start doing all kinds of small jobs for your dear colleagues, you won't get around to doing your own work. You then lose control over your own work and can't get much done. And we don't want that. After all, we want to tick off our to-do list!

3. Don't check your email all the time

We know it's tempting to constantly check your email. You are curious whether you have already received that report, how many leads have come in via the website and what the response to that quote is. Do not! Don't constantly check your email. You keep getting distracted and it takes you on average more than ten minutes before you can work with 'full focus' again. Check your email at fixed times so that you can fully focus on the task at hand. When people really need you urgently, they will call. It is not without reason that a caller is much faster ;).

Need time management training?

Today we have given tips on how to get a lot done in a short time. If you want to practice this in real life, take a training course Time management.  This training can be followed both in-company and in an open format at various locations in the Netherlands.