Time Management - Techniques for Maximizing Limited Time
By mastering effective time management techniques, you can increase work productivity while also securing time for yourself.
The Essence of Time Management
In modern society, time is one of the most precious resources. Everyone has only 24 hours in a day, but the results differ greatly depending on how it's used. Effective time management is not simply filling up schedules but creating a system for focusing on what's truly important.
Many people feel "there's not enough time," but the reality is usually a problem with how time is used. By clarifying what needs to be done, prioritizing, and utilizing times when concentration is maximized, the results achievable in the same 24 hours change dramatically.
Why Time Management is Important
Japan's labor productivity is said to be at a low level among developed countries. The reason for not producing results despite working long hours may be the way time is used. By learning time management techniques based on scientific evidence, you can improve work efficiency and reclaim your own time.
The effects of improving time management are not limited to work. It has positive impacts on all activities that enrich life, such as time with family, learning time for self-development, and time for hobbies and rest.
Recommended Books
We introduce books for understanding the essence of time management and acquiring practical skills.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
A book explaining thinking methods for practicing 'less but better.' In today's world overwhelmed by too many choices and demands, you can learn how to identify what is truly important and focus your energy there. This bestseller of over 600,000 copies is supported by many people struggling with task selection.
- The attitude of 'trying to do everything' results in making everything half-hearted
- To identify what is essential, you need to intentionally secure time to think
- Saying no is an investment to use your time and effort on truly important things
- Creating systems establishes an environment for effortlessly focusing on essentials
Do It Tomorrow: The Manana Principle Complete Edition
A practical book explaining the British task management method 'Do It Tomorrow.' Based on the principle that 'work that arises today is done tomorrow,' you can work methodically without being overwhelmed by urgency. It provides specific methodology for reliably completing work that goes beyond the limitations of traditional prioritization.
- Postponing work that arises today to tomorrow avoids impulsive responses and allows methodical work
- Using closed lists clarifies the day's workload and provides a sense of accomplishment
- Rather than priority, the judgment of 'do or don't' is important; courage to decide what not to do is necessary
- Having buffers allows composed handling of unexpected work
仕事に追われない仕事術マニャーナの法則・完全版
マーク・フォースター, 青木 高夫 / ディスカヴァー・トゥエンティワン / 2024-01-26
「仕事は明日! 」でうまくいく 心の余裕・集中力・達成感がグ...
1440 Minutes: 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management
This book introduces 15 secrets of time management derived from interviews with 288 successful people including billionaires and Olympic athletes. Facing the fact that there are only 1440 minutes in a day, it teaches practical methods like abandoning to-do lists and time blocking with schedules. By identifying the most important tasks and working on them during the high-concentration morning hours, you can dramatically improve productivity.
- To-do lists never end, so time block with your schedule
- Use the first two hours of each day to focus on the most important task
- Every yes is a no to something else, so have the courage to decline
- Complete tasks that take less than 5 minutes immediately on the spot
1440分の使い方 ──成功者たちの時間管理15の秘訣 (フェニックスシリーズ)
ケビン・クルーズ, Kevin Kruse, 木村 千里 / パンローリング / 2017-08-12
時間に追われることなく、生産性を向上させ、充実した生活を送る...
The Divine Time Management: Maximizing Brain Performance
This book is a time management technique explained by a psychiatrist based on brain science knowledge. Concentration changes depending on the time of day, and by understanding and utilizing these waves, you can more than double work efficiency. By maximizing the 'morning golden time' of 2-3 hours after waking and combining appropriate rest and exercise, you can learn how to do four times the work while securing twice the free time.
- 2-3 hours after waking is the brain's golden time, to be spent on work requiring the most concentration
- Exercise activates the brain and has effects of enhancing concentration and memory
- Cutting sleep time significantly reduces productivity and increases health risks
- 15 minutes before sleep is the golden time for memory; avoid inputting extra information
Summary
Time management is not just a technique but also a question of how to live your life. Based on the idea of "less, but better," by focusing on what's truly important, you can achieve work results while living a fulfilling life. Through these books, find a time management method that suits you.