Let’s Get Organized: The Real Meaning of Schedule Time
At some point, you’ve probably heard the phrase “schedule time.” It’s something very popular especially in high productivity environment like for instance some business circles. But what what is the real meaning of schedule time, and why is it so important?
As a business owner and a sales force trainer, I’ve seen many clients struggle with managing their time effectively. Although they could brilliantly explain the theoreticals of time management, they were then completely stuck when it was time to put things in action.
This is when “the Basics” come damn handy…and one of the most basic but still powerful concepts to start with is “scheduled time.”
(And by the way, if you want to dig even deeper into the very basics, I recommend you this post about Time management vs. productivity to kickstart your journey!)
In this specific article, we are going to explore the meaning of “schedule time” and why it matters.
What does “Schedule Time” Mean?
The meaning of Schedule time refers to the activity of designing specific time slots where you can allocate different tasks and activities throughout the day. You are in this way organizing your time at the best of your possibilities and ensuring that you’re using it efficiently.
In other words, “scheduled time” refers to time that is set aside for specific tasks or activities. You block out time on your calendar or planner (and please, make sure it is non-negotiable!). This time is dedicated solely to the task or activity that has been assigned to it, and is not to be used for any other purpose.
Ok, But Why Scheduled Time Matters?
Scheduled time is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it helps to ensure that we complete important tasks. As you block out time for specific tasks, you’re in reality making a commitment to yourself and your business that you’ll complete those tasks, no matter what.
And while this brings you to improved productivity, it also helps to reduce stress and anxiety, since you are making sure you are in the flow of things and you are dedicating time to work on your priorities.
(Wanna know simple yet effective Time Management strategies to organize your time to dramatically improve your results? Then follow the link!!)
1. It Helps You Stay Focused
The meaning of schedule time is strictly related to your focus capabilities.
When you have a clear schedule that outlines your tasks and activities for the day, it’s easier to stay focused on what you need to do. You only have to learn to focus on the schedule (Yes, it is not that simple, I know, but correct practice makes perfect! 🙂 ).
But with a clear path to follow you manage distractions by other tasks or non-relevant activities far better.
2. It Helps You Prioritize
If you start allocating specific time slots to each task, it forces you naturally to prioritize your work more effectively. This is also the way you practice spending your time on the most important tasks first, and leaving less important tasks for later in the day.
3. It Increases Productivity
When you have a clear schedule that outlines not only your tasks for the day, but also the bigger picture behind it, you’ll be able to give all your attention to the task at hand only, and thus work more efficiently.
Since you have planned in advance the whole path to your desired results, you’ll be less likely to waste time and resources, being able to complete your work in a shorter amount of time.
And the overall quality of your results is going to improve too!
(…but why is so hard to stay focused? Follow the link and find why!)
4. It Reduces Stress
When you have a clear schedule, and therefore you focus on one thing at a time, you’ll be less likely to feel overwhelmed or stressed about your workload.
You’ll know exactly what you need to do, when and how to do it, the best practical remedy to reduce anxiety and stress.
5. It Helps You Achieve Your Objectives
You have built your schedule, prioritized your tasks smartly and worked them through efficiently. Now you find yourself able to complete your projects more quickly and with less effort.
Whether your goal is in the workplace, in learning a new skill, or exercising more regularly, scheduled time is the reliable way to stay on track and make progress consistently while managing fatigue.
6. Improved Work-Life Balance
Finally, scheduled time can help to fine-tune your personal work-life balance.
By choosing to proactively manage your time through scheduling, you make giant steps toward ensuring that work tasks don’t bleed over into your personal time.
This aspect is as critical as neglected : many of us tend to indulge in “only half an hour more work…” to complete assignments, especially when the pressure of the deadline comes to a head.
Learning to schedule is naturally designed to minimize this phenomenon.
How to Schedule Time in Your Day
If you’re interested in learning to schedule time in any of your activities, here is how to start from the very basics :
And by the way, there is a single aspect of managing time that i found critical, even before starting with building schedules and developing healty managing habits. Read a full post on this very subject, enjoy!
- Identify the tasks and activities that are most important to your business.
- Block out time on your calendar or planner for those tasks and activities. (Make sure to schedule enough time to complete each task, with a small percentage allowed for any unexpected issues that may arise).
- Share your schedule with your team, colleagues or family members and encourage them to do the same. This can help to create an overall culture of productivity and focus within your circle of acquaintances.
- STICK TO YOUR SCHEDULE!!!. Make sure to use your scheduled time solely for the task or activity you assigned to it, and avoid distractions as much as possible.
Also, once you have designed your schedule , do not fall prey of doubts! There is no way you can test the goodness of your plan if you don’t execute it all the way through. Therefore, allow no changes until the end of the session.
After that, following due inspection and measurement, you can think about making some adjustments that can further improve your workflow.
FAQs
Q: What’s the best way to create a schedule?
A: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as everyone has different preferences and needs. Some people prefer to use a physical planner, while others prefer a digital calendar or time management app…
What is really important instead, is to understand how a schedule really work. Test it in real assignments to have a good feel of how an organized work schedule is able to boost different areas of your productivity.
Q: What if I have unexpected tasks or interruptions?
A: Sometimes it can be inevitable to be flexible and adapt yourself to the circumstances. When creating a schedule leave some buffer time in your schedule to account for unexpected tasks or interruptions.
But please interrupt your work for real emergencies only. Make sure you do not cheat just to take a break or for boredom.
Q: Can you use scheduled time for leisure activities?
A: Absolutely! In reality this is the ultimate meaning of scheduling time. Your schedule is in charge to let you manage your tasks effectively = more time left for what you love most.
And in fact, scheduling time for leisure activities can help you relax and recharge.
Actually this makes you even more productive, positive and focused during work hours.
Q: Now that I understand the mechanics, how do I put them into action?
A: Solid Time Management techniques are extremely useful in many more aspects of real life one can imagine. You can find a complete discussion following the link.
Conclusion
I hope I provided good clarity about the meaning of schedule time.
Scheduled time is an essential concept in time management. It is a powerful tool that can help to improve productivity, reduce stress, and improve work-life balance.
You’re making a commitment to yourself and your business to get those tasks done, no matter what. If you’re interested in implementing scheduled time in your business, follow the steps outlined above to get started.
In this article we discussed what specifically is scheduled time and a number of different reasons why it actually matters for the vast majority of us.
It is a godsend to boost your productivity, but also a reliable tool to measure results.
It is smart evaluate your workflow based on data. You learn to manage different possibilities chunking them down and schedule specific assignments.
So, it is plain to see that this powerful tool is not restricted to the workplace.
(But effectively, the area of your life where you could enjoy the fastest benefits is your personal finance. Read more here for easy side hustles to start right now!)
Busy professionals, as well as students or stay-at-home parents can reap huge benefits by managing their time more effectively. As a result, they enjoy a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Give it a go today, and let me know how you are doing in the comments below.
