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How to Keep a Record of Your Time? Smart Ways to Be More Productive

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Time can be a rather subject matter as everyone has their own work tempo. Some people are speedy and productive, while others will need time to figure out how things work, have enough time to eat lunch, or just take a bit longer to finish what they started.

Whether you're self-employed, working within a larger company, or just want to provide better structure to a side project you're working on, there are ways to keep track of how you spend your time and become more productive.

1. Monitoring software

If you use your computer for a good part of your work, using monitoring software can give you a better idea of how you spend your time. You can use it for time tracking, as well as to see which websites you tend to use often during work hours. It happens to the best of us - you just want to check out a news site, something on Facebook pops up and before you know it, a few minutes have passed. Monitoring software can be a good way to keep track of your daily activities, habits, and provide you with data that can help you pinpoint where you have room to increase your discipline.

2. Write it down

If you feel like you aren't taking too many breaks, and still aren't completely satisfied with your productivity, having a note and pen beside your workstation where you can write down each time you stop working - and continue as well - might be a good idea. Even if you aren't taking breaks in the traditional sense, there might still be some time when you're thinking about something else, or are struggling to get in the zone. It will help you become more conscious of your actions and habits, which is a good first step towards self-improvement. You might even notice a pattern; maybe you tend to work slower during certain parts of the day, and you can use this information to organize your work around it. Perhaps taking your lunch break during that time might be a good call.

3. Create a plan

Work with what makes sense for you - if having an hourly schedule worked in the past, try to stick to it. If you prefer flexible and spontaneous work, plan for goals and projects that can be done anytime and anywhere. Create a weekly schedule with your most time-consuming tasks at the beginning of the week - or perhaps at the end where you tend to need more time. Setting goals and milestones can be a great way to motivate yourself and understand the bigger picture, as well as how much work you need to put in according to its size. What those will be exactly will largely depend on the niche you work in, as well as the specific project you're currently on.

4. Know your limits

Having a daily schedule can be great, but it can also help you acknowledge your limits and understand the time needed to complete specific tasks. Plan some small breaks, too, as it is always good for everyone's health, as well as their productivity. There are no two days that are alike, so don't feel guilty about leaving some time for yourself if you really feel like doing so. Even if you feel well-rested and ready to work, accepting that it might not be the best idea can save you from future burnouts or frustration. This is also something to keep in mind when creating both daily plans and bigger goals. Setting realistic expectations for yourself can only motivate you further because you actually get to achieve them.

5. Optimize your processes

It's often good to focus on more time-consuming tasks early in the morning when your mind is fresh, but sometimes it makes sense to switch to smaller, more specific tasks that can be done in a limited amount of time. As already mentioned, look for patterns in your work habits and optimize them. While sometimes it's impossible to create a schedule that fits your needs perfectly due to pressing matters, it's never a bad idea to at least try and figure out the ideal time frame for your work. A part of optimizing your work process could simply be recognizing when work will demand a more strenuous rhythm. If this is the case, try and figure out how long it will last - a month, or perhaps just for a week? By knowing what to expect out of a certain project, you can learn to pace yourself better and become more intentional with your time.

There are plenty of ways to keep track of your activities and improve your productivity, but not all strategies might fit you. Try different ones and find the best solution that works for you; just remember that there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to productivity. It's worth spending some time thinking about your workflow and the amount of time you need to complete certain tasks, even if it means less actual work done at first. The end result will surely be worth it when you master the ability to focus on what really matters in life, which is often more than we think we can accomplish.

Work, Job, Time, Schedule, Tips, Productivity, Strategies, Optimize, Know Your Limits, Create a Plan, Write it Down, Management Software

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