Since the creation of time boxing, working on tasks as a freelancer has become a lot easier. It's true that the technique does help make the tasks easier and make one a lot more productive and better at managing time. Some would even swear by it as the technique that improved the quality of their work and even their life in general. Here's a quick look at some of the most noteworthy advantages of this technique.
This technique helps one in focusing on tasks. More often than not, when we sit in front of the computer to start doing our tasks, we are bombarded with distractions. We often end up spending more time on unimportant things and not get much done for the day. With this technique, however, you are able to focus more on your tasks by allowing you to set your time boxes according to the amount of time that you think you will be able to concentrate on the tasks. And since it is customizable, you can set your time to as little as 10 minutes per task, and gradually increase your time each day. This way, your concentration and focus are improved even without you forcing yourself to concentrate.
As a virtual assistant, I have projects come in throughout the day. Some may take as little as five minutes to complete, others may take several hours to days to complete. In the past I have found that tasks which take just a few minutes to do seemed to get put off, waiting for something else for that client so it would take longer. Now, by using the time boxing, I may schedule 30 minutes from 9:00am to 9:30am to update Client A's contact manager with address changes and new people, post Client B's blog, and schedule Client C's ezine. Each task may take only a few minutes, but it's in my 30-minute block of time.
The next advantage is often listed as an end result or the product of time boxing: Productivity. Once you learn the basics on how it can help you reset and attain focus and discipline, productivity often follows. But remember to keep you work up to par, too. You need to be both productive AND produce the best quality.
Be strict with yourself. If you blocked off one hour starting at 10:30 to work on the $3 million proposal or research for your next article, start at 10:30, set a timer and stick to it. (You can use a kitchen timer or you can download a free online timer.) You may be on a roll, and you may not want to quit, but stop and go on to the next time box. If you continually find that an hour isn't enough time, then adjust your time to 1-1/2 hours to work on the $3 million proposal. There will be days that unexpected things happen -- interruptions, emergencies, etc. -- don't stress those! Just move your time boxes to the next day...it'll be better tomorrow.By using time boxing, you may also find there are areas in your life that are lacking. Start blocking off time during the day to devote to those areas, whether it be social, spiritual, or physical.Now...take those gloves off, get serious and kick some butt -- uh, I mean time!!
This technique helps one in focusing on tasks. More often than not, when we sit in front of the computer to start doing our tasks, we are bombarded with distractions. We often end up spending more time on unimportant things and not get much done for the day. With this technique, however, you are able to focus more on your tasks by allowing you to set your time boxes according to the amount of time that you think you will be able to concentrate on the tasks. And since it is customizable, you can set your time to as little as 10 minutes per task, and gradually increase your time each day. This way, your concentration and focus are improved even without you forcing yourself to concentrate.
As a virtual assistant, I have projects come in throughout the day. Some may take as little as five minutes to complete, others may take several hours to days to complete. In the past I have found that tasks which take just a few minutes to do seemed to get put off, waiting for something else for that client so it would take longer. Now, by using the time boxing, I may schedule 30 minutes from 9:00am to 9:30am to update Client A's contact manager with address changes and new people, post Client B's blog, and schedule Client C's ezine. Each task may take only a few minutes, but it's in my 30-minute block of time.
The next advantage is often listed as an end result or the product of time boxing: Productivity. Once you learn the basics on how it can help you reset and attain focus and discipline, productivity often follows. But remember to keep you work up to par, too. You need to be both productive AND produce the best quality.
Be strict with yourself. If you blocked off one hour starting at 10:30 to work on the $3 million proposal or research for your next article, start at 10:30, set a timer and stick to it. (You can use a kitchen timer or you can download a free online timer.) You may be on a roll, and you may not want to quit, but stop and go on to the next time box. If you continually find that an hour isn't enough time, then adjust your time to 1-1/2 hours to work on the $3 million proposal. There will be days that unexpected things happen -- interruptions, emergencies, etc. -- don't stress those! Just move your time boxes to the next day...it'll be better tomorrow.By using time boxing, you may also find there are areas in your life that are lacking. Start blocking off time during the day to devote to those areas, whether it be social, spiritual, or physical.Now...take those gloves off, get serious and kick some butt -- uh, I mean time!!
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