Effective Time Management

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Chacon, 144th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons section chief
  • 144th Fighter Wing

As you progress in your career and climb the ladder of development, you will inherently acquire greater responsibility and more will be expected of you.  As projects increase and deadlines rapidly approach, stress levels can exceed record highs and other aspects of life may take a back seat.   As military leaders, you will need to focus your attention on mission accomplishment, daily occupational requirements, and the well-being of your Airman. 

An effective way to mitigate the pressures of daily demands is to practice good time management.  By utilizing your time proficiently to maximize productivity, you will decrease the daily tensions and increase time allotted to other taskers.  Time management is the process of planning and exercising conscious control of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency and productivity.

Remember, just because you are busy, does not mean you are being productive.  To aid in your efficiency, set daily goals.  This will provide much needed clarity and purpose to your work. Establishing tangible objectives is a key component of time management. Organizing your tasks into a consolidated list can help bring direction to what may seem like chaos. 

Next, prioritize your projects based on urgency and importance. Focus primarily on tasks that are essential and need to be accomplished the same day.  

Be sure to shut down distractions.  Studies have shown that Americans tend to check their phones up to 96 times a day, or roughly every 10 minutes.  Social media can wait, but your project more than likely cannot.  Constantly switching between the task at hand, and the distractions around you, can add up to significant amounts of productivity lost. 

Most importantly, remain calm and never be afraid to ask for help.  Keep focused on the big picture, but take it one-step at a time.