Starting your time management journey with a plan can help you lay a solid basis for future practices, boosting your chances of success.

Time management is the ability to use your time productively and efficiently. You may also think of it as the skill of making time to complete what you need to do without feeling rushed.

1. Create a time audit
   Find out where you’re spending your time. There is frequently a mismatch between what you believe is taking up your time and what actually is.
   
   
2. Set achievable goals and prioritize your tasks
   Use the 4 Ds of time management: Do, Defer, Delegate and Delete.
   1. Do: Tasks that are important and urgent
   1. Defer: Tasks that are important but not urgent
   1. Delegate: Tasks that are urgent but not important
   1. Delete: Tasks that are neither urgent nor important
      
      
3. Create a daily plan or to-do list
   Make sure you begin each day with a clear understanding of what you need to do and what must be completed on that day. Consider making it a habit to write out your “to-do” list for the next day at the end of each day.
   
   
4. Take a break between tasks
   It is more difficult to stay focused and motivated when performing a large number of activities without taking a break. Allow for some pause between tasks to clear your mind and refresh yourself.
   
   
5. Put a time limit on tasks
   Setting limitations will help you focus better and work more effectively.

Good time management allows an individual to do more in less time, reduces stress, and leads to career success.