Spring is here and it's time to de-clutter your life. But don't stop at your closet or your garage. Your calendar needs some attention too. Here are some tips from a time management expert on how to spring clean your calendar and make more time for what matters.
- Review your recurring events. Do you really need to attend that weekly meeting or that monthly webinar? Are they adding value to your work or your personal growth? If not, cancel them or delegate them to someone else. You'll free up some space in your calendar and your mind.
- Prioritize your tasks. Not everything on your to-do list is equally important or urgent. Use the Eisenhower matrix to sort your tasks into four categories: do, delegate, defer, and delete. Do the tasks that are both important and urgent first, then delegate or defer the ones that are less so. Delete the ones that are neither important nor urgent. You'll save time and energy by focusing on what matters most.
- Block out some me-time. Don't forget to take care of yourself. Schedule some time every day for self-care activities like meditation, exercise, reading, or hobbies. These will help you relax, recharge, and boost your productivity and creativity. Make sure you treat these as non-negotiable appointments and don't let anything else interfere with them.
- Say no more often. One of the biggest reasons why people have cluttered calendars is because they say yes to everything. Whether it's a request from a colleague, a friend, or a family member, learn to say no politely but firmly when you don't have the time or the interest to do something. You'll avoid over-committing yourself and feeling stressed out.
- Use a digital tool. If you're still using a paper planner or a wall calendar, it's time to upgrade to a digital tool. There are many apps and software that can help you organize your calendar, sync it across your devices, set reminders, share it with others, and more. Some examples are Google Calendar, Outlook, Calendly, and Trello. Find one that suits your needs and preferences and use it consistently.