Time management is an essential skill for success in all aspects of life. Whether it’s personal or professional, being able to prioritize and allocate time effectively can make all the difference.

From our research participants across 24 countries, all of the top performers in time management had a consistent routine. Before you can begin to manage your time effectively, it’s important to understand your own habits and preferences. We found these are the Top 5 questions to ask yourself to gain a better understanding of your relationship with time.

 

When do I do my best deep work?

We all have certain times of the day when we’re most productive and focused. For some, it’s first thing in the morning, while for others it might be late at night. Knowing when you’re at your most productive can help you schedule your day in a way that allows you to make the most of your time. If you have a task that requires deep focus and concentration, try to schedule it for a time when you know you’ll be able to give it your full attention.

 

When do I do my best fitness training?

Exercise is essential for both physical and mental health, but it can be hard to find time to fit it in. However, if you can find a time of day when you enjoy working out, it becomes easier to make it a part of your routine. If you’re a morning person, try getting up a little earlier to fit in a workout before your day gets busy. If you prefer to exercise after work, make sure you’re not scheduling other commitments during that time.

 

What are the best times to be available for my family?

Spending time with loved ones is important for our mental health and well-being. However, it’s not always easy to find a time that works for everyone. Think about when you’re able to give your family your full attention and when they’re most likely to need it. If you work and have young children, perhaps freeing up 3pm to 6:30pm each day will create the best experience.

 

What time do I need for thinking, recreation, learning, and healthy eating?

It’s important to make time for activities that nourish your mind and body, such as reading, hobbies and healthy eating. However, these activities can often get pushed aside in favor of work or other commitments. Think about when you’re able to fit these activities into your schedule without feeling rushed or stressed. This might be during your lunch break, in the evenings after work, or on weekends.

 

Free Time Management App

In James Clear’s “Atomic Habits,” the idea that “all big things come from small beginnings” is emphasized. To start small, consider asking yourself those Top 5 questions to gain insight into your most productive hours, preferred exercise times, ideal family availability, and opportunities for self-care and growth.

Next, you can look to effectively manage your time through a time management app. The FREE app at stratappsaas.com updates your capacity and planned finish time, and automatically schedules your to-do’s around your work and personal calendar events. It presents all of this to you on one screen on your mobile and one page on your desktop, and if you have an assistant they can help manage your day by accessing the desktop view.