Time Management Techniques

4 Oct 2022

    In daily life, one always strives to find the balance between productivity and free time. Completing the work that is necessary should always be prioritized over one’s hobbies, yet sometimes the workload is so great that one can struggle to achieve that free time, causing stress to pile up alongside other negative emotions. However, to improve the chances against those scenarios, finding a strategy that fits you can greatly improve your efficiency at completing tasks, as it organizes your time by providing a solid, structured plan that can pace you to get tasks done while getting the free time you deserve. If you are not very familiar with any time management techniques or just want to find a new strategy, here are 3 strategies you can use to improve your productivity!


1. Rapid Planning Method (RPM)

    The rapid planning method, also known as RPM, stands for results, purpose, and massive action. It strives to help you realize what you actually want to achieve, which determines the steps you need to take to get there. Created by Tony Robbins, a famous author and life strategist, he determined three questions one should ask themselves as the strategy for the RPM:

What do I really want?
    When answering this question, instead of using vague terms such as “becoming better” at something, be more specific. Use analytical statistics, or specify a certain topic.

Why does it matter to me?
    Answering this question is the key to achieving your motivation to continue this project, or check if you have any of it residing within you. Feeling demotivated happens quite often, yet if you truly feel as if you’re forcing yourself to continue the project/goal you were working towards, try reconsidering your activity and think about your priorities. 


How will I achieve it?

    Arranging your attack plan will result in a higher chance for success in your current endeavors/projects by allowing you to be more organized and have more realistic deadlines. However, make sure to take smaller steps instead of immediately leaping towards your goal, as skipping a few important steps could potentially result in repercussions.


2. Getting Things Done Methodology (GTD)

   The Getting Things Done, or the GTD methodology, focuses on removing the overwhelming amount of information bouncing in one’s head, which leads to stress and difficulty with concentration. This method can be used when you feel overwhelmed by a big to-do list in your mind, worried about forgetting small details, or when you’re unable to finish your set list of projects and tasks.

This methodical concept focuses on 5 words: Capture, Clarify, Organize, Engage, and Review.

Capture - Capture anything that crosses your mind, such as tasks or worries.


Clarify - Process what you captured into clear and concise steps forward.


Organize - Set proper deadlines and put everything in the correct place and time.


Engage - Work on the important tasks.


Review - Frequently review, look over, and update your lists.


     To learn more about the GTD methodology, you can visit the official website, as this is a very popular course for many adults who are trying to manage their time better.


3. The Jar Theory

    The Jar Theory is a more figurative concept rather than a technique, explaining how you fit the larger ideas into your schedule before your smaller ideas. This will allow you to have a more optimal schedule. It can methodically be described like this:

    Imagine you fit a bunch of golf balls into a jar, which represents your current notable and significant tasks in your life. You have the room for smaller tasks as well, as there is room for marbles within your jar as well. Next, you have the room for more fun activities to be in your life, in the form of sand, and then your jar is full. However, if you sprinkle in the sand first, you’ll have significantly less space for your golf and marble balls in your jar. In other words, if you prioritize your fun tasks first, you have less time for the more serious tasks in your life. Therefore, prioritize your work before your hobbies, since you will have more time for them in the long run.


    Being productive is a skill that few have, since it requires you to go against what you enjoy. However, controlling this urge and disciplining yourself gives you more opportunities and time for the activities you enjoy. Through these strategies, you can find your rhythm and strength through what may be the most grueling of tasks.