Managing Time - From Principals' Digest 

Feeling short on time is a universal struggle. The idea that managing time itself is impossible brings the focus to managing behaviour within the time we have. Psychology plays a big role here. One common pitfall is the urge to tackle small tasks first due to the relief and satisfaction they bring. Yet, this often leads to neglecting more significant, long-term goals, causing stress as deadlines approach. Multitasking and an overly optimistic view of time available, known as the planning fallacy, further complicate matters.

To combat these issues, it's essential to prioritize meaningful tasks, break them into achievable steps, and safeguard dedicated time for deep, focused work. Being realistic about time estimates and planning for interruptions are crucial. Small, intentional behavioural adjustments can make a big difference in managing time effectively.

Ultimately, time management is an ongoing puzzle, unique to each individual, requiring self-awareness and experimentation to find what works best.

Source: “The Psychology of Time Management and 5 Strategies” By Dr Michael W Wiederman in Psychology Today September 10, 2023. Full article here