7 Time Management Tips for the Overcommitted A packed schedule and lengthy to-do list are daunting to some. It feels like too much even to know where to begin. But not you. No, you love the rush...

A packed schedule and lengthy to-do list are daunting to some. It feels like too much even to know where to begin. But not you. No, you love the rush of endorphins you get from marking tasks complete. And you thrive in an environment that’s equal parts chaotic and productive.

Of course, you can’t always be functioning at 100%. Despite your best efforts, there will be times you struggle to manage it all. Thankfully, you can come out on top with a few time management tips. Here are a few to add to your routine.

1. Understand Your Productivity Windows

People have all sorts of tendencies. When you wake up and go to sleep, workouts you do, and when you do them, to name a few. For example, these preferences place you in one bucket or another — a morning person or a night owl. However, these tendencies can also be used to inform your productivity.

No one is at peak productivity all day, every single day; it’s simply not possible. But if you take a few minutes to evaluate your typical day, you’ll notice patterns. You likely get the most done during a specific part of the day each day, and that’s your productivity window.

Knowing when you do your best work streamlines your workday. You can strategically structure your day around these windows and optimize your work. It’s even better if you block them on your calendar. Many scheduling platforms like Outlook and Calendar offer color coding to make these windows even more transparent. From there, you can create a schedule that suits your preferences and maximizes your time.

2. Habit Stack

Being in two places at once would solve many problems for go-getters. You wouldn’t have to rush from work commitment to your kid’s after-school performance. Instead, you could simply split your time as needed. Of course, that’s not an option. One way you can get more done in less time, though, is habit stacking.

This concept focuses on doing multiple habits at once. Like multitasking, habit stacking allows you to check more off of your to-do list. For example, if you work remotely and buy a standing desk and a walking pad, you can combine working with exercise. Follow this same approach to different priorities in your life to make your responsibilities less daunting.

That could be folding laundry while watching a show or attending a meeting. Or maybe it’s turning into an audiobook while driving to your kid’s soccer game. The goal is to find ways to do multiple habits at a time and make the most of your schedule. When done right, it can be a game-changer.

3. Invest in Convenience

When every other thought is that there aren’t enough hours in the day, it’s a sign. You’re overcommitted. While there are tasks you have to do yourself, like exercise, eating, and sleeping, others can be delegated. Spending money on those conveniences can make your life a lot more balanced.

Take laundry and other household chores, for example. Assuming a washer and dryer in your home, doing laundry isn’t labor-intensive. However, it’s harder if you’re only stopping by home for a second before you’re off to your following commitment. You may be left with dirty clothes and nothing to wear. Instead, you could spend some money on a laundry service and take that to-do off your list.

Any tasks you can outsource will lighten your workload and help reduce schedule fatigue. Of course, the added expense won’t fit in everyone’s budget. However, the investment can pay off greatly if you can make it work.

4. Work in Priority Order

When you have a lot on your plate, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. You may question how you’ll get it all done, what path to take, and whether your approach is right. Overthinking becomes second nature, and all of your worrying prolongs productive work getting underway. That’s why learning how to prioritize your to-do’s is important.

Start by thinking about timing. If something has a hard deadline, like a school or work project, it’s best to start working on that now. Then, analyze how involved tasks are. Bigger, ongoing tasks will naturally take more time, so you may need to start them sooner. That leaves the smaller, less time-dependent responsibilities in the lower priority spots.

Working this way helps ensure you can get the most important things done first. From there, you can see what needs to be changed, removed, or put off until later on your list. Of course, getting everything done is preferred, but give yourself grace and do your best. That’s really all you can expect of yourself.

5. Learn to Say No

You’re probably a chronic yes person if you’re stretched to your limit. You say yes when someone asks for help moving or navigating a problem at work. You jump at the chance to agree to plans even if you aren’t excited about them. This tendency to say yes is primarily to blame for your overcommitted lifestyle.

However, it doesn’t have to be that way forever. Learning to say no is one of the toughest but most relieving feelings you can have. It’s a skill that can be uncomfortable, especially if you always say yes, but it frees up time on your schedule. And that is probably exactly what you need for your mental and physical well-being.

Ease your way into saying no by simply doing it once. The next time someone asks for something, tell them you can’t help, don’t have what they need, or just say no. They may be taken aback — mainly if they know you always say yes — but let them be surprised. Then, stay committed to saying no to plans or requests you don’t want to do. Before you know it, your calendar won’t be as overwhelming as it once was.

6. Ask for Help

Overachievers understandably take on a lot. It’s gratifying to go to sleep knowing you completed everything you set out. And it makes waking up to start a day full of new opportunities much more exciting. However, you can’t always do it alone.

It may not come naturally, but force yourself to ask for help when needed. When you experience a major life change like a new job or adding a family member, you need help. There’s no shame in admitting it, as much as your overachieving tendencies may lead you to believe.

So, take your loved ones up on their offers to cook for you or clean your home. Lean into the generosity of your community to make tough times more bearable. You’ll find that you feel closer to those around you, and that’s truly a priceless feeling.

7. Get Rest

It may sound scary or unrealistic to consider rest productive. If you’re overcommitted, it may even feel impossible. However, being well rested is critical to doing the most without feeling unbalanced.

Try to get eight or more hours of sleep each night. Don’t feel guilty for a quick 10-minute nap midday to power through the afternoon. Take time to recharge occasionally with a vacation or a night to yourself.

These things aren’t selfish; they’re self-preservation. When you constantly run on empty, exhaustion isn’t doing you any favors. After you take advantage of some rest, you can return to being productive again.

Time for Everything

There will be periods when you feel confident everything is balanced and calm. But there will be others when life is a series of blunders and chaos. Finding strategies that help you maximize your time and be productive makes it possible to do everything you want to do. And that will always be worth the time and effort for the overcommitted.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by DS stories; Pexels

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