Learning to manage your time, whether it be at work or home, can be an uphill battle. Most days, it just doesn’t seem like there’s enough time in the day to get everything you need to do done. So, here are 10 lessons to keep you sane and balanced all while still checking things off your to-do list.

1. Multitasking rarely gets you anywhere. Sure, you think that by eating lunch and reading emails you’re killing two birds with one stone. But step back and think about it; are you really? Neither task you’re doing is getting the attention it deserves and whether that results in you overeating or sending out an email full of typos, it’s not worth it. Try and focus at one task at a time and you’ll be able to finish things more efficiently and effectively.
2. No two things are ever equally important. Learn to prioritize your work. Not everything you have to do in a day is equally important and there’s always something that should be pushed to second priority. Prioritizing will help manage stress and show you what should be done immediately and what can wait a while.
3. Take notes. Even though you think you’ll remember what you boss just asked you to do, chances are you won’t. When you sit down to actually complete the work in a half hour, there's a high probability you’ll have forgotten details. Prevent backtracking and having to ask questions you’ve already been told the answer to by taking notes in the first place.
4. Always have end of day goals. Know what you must finish by the end of each day. Focus on these goals and if you fit other tasks into your day, consider it a bonus.
5. If it takes a while to get started, move on. If you’re spending more than 20 minutes on starting a project or task, move on to something else and come back to it later. Getting frustrated with work will only distract you from being productive. Get back in a good groove and then try starting again.
6. Longer work days don’t always mean getting more done. Just because you’re at the office for 11 hours, doesn’t mean you’re actually accomplishing things. Know your limits and when to take a break or call it a day.
7. Control distractions. Put your phone on silent or do not disturb. Get headphones or ear plugs. Minimize any distractions that you can and allow yourself to focus on things that really matter.
8. Know the difference between working hard and burning out. You can be driven and work hard for hours on end, but after a certain point you’re going to hit a wall and it’s not going to get you anywhere. Always push yourself but don’t end up stressed out and in ruins.
9. Your schedule will fill up faster than you think. Give yourself some buffer time between meetings or at the end of the day. That way when something important pops up last minute you’re not left scrambling for time to get it done.
10. Keep your eyes on the prize. Keep your long term goals in sight. Whether that be a promotion, a raise or something else, always remember why you’re doing the work that you are. It’ll help you remain focused and task oriented throughout the days, weeks and months.

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