Back when I was hired for my first ever remote job, having full-time remote work was still unheard of. There wasn’t much online content on navigating that kind of lifestyle. Working from home, working from anywhere, setting clear boundaries between my work and personal life, and maintaining self-discipline. As the newbie that I was, I struggled. However, as I started getting more used to the lifestyle, I came to realize that one crucial aspect could determine the success or failure of my remote work experience: Time management (an effective one!)
In this article, I’ll share with you the 13 time management rules that I wish I had followed from the beginning of my remote work journey. Whether you’re new to remote work or a seasoned pro, these simple guidelines can help you make the most of your time and stay productive.
13 Time Management Tips I Wished I Followed as a First-Time Remote Worker
1.) Set Specific Daily Goals
Start each day with clear goals in mind. Identify what you want to accomplish and break tasks down into smaller, actionable steps. I find writing down goals on a notepad or a clean piece of paper before I begin each workday helps me stay focused and organized throughout the day. It’s better to keep it specific. Instead of setting a vague goal like “work on the project,” specify what that work looks like. It could be researching the topic for the project or drafting an outline for a presentation.
2.) Follow a Routine
Establishing a consistent daily routine helps you stay organized and focused throughout the day. Identify which time of the day works best for you, set regular work hours, include breaks in between, and stick to them as much as possible. When you set time for activities that matter to you, such as work, breaks, exercise, and personal tasks, you create a structure that promotes productivity and balance for yourself.
3.) Prioritize Tasks
Not all tasks are created equal. When it comes to work, some tasks have more weight than others. It’s important to prioritize your tasks based on urgency and importance. It’s better to focus on high-priority tasks first. This way, by the time you start working on the “smaller” tasks, you know you’ve already made progress on your most important projects, and you can rest easy for the rest of the day.
4.) Minimize Distractions
Distractions are the number one enemy of any worker. The upside of having a remote job is that you can choose to work from anywhere you prefer. This means that you can control your environment. It’s easier to identify common distractions and take steps to minimize them. Is your room too bright? Too dark? Too cold? Too warm? Is your desk too messy? Too empty? See, you can control all these. If your main distractions are digital, maybe you find yourself constantly checking social media. Consider using apps that limit your screen time on specific platforms so you can focus during work hours.
5.) Use “Time Blocking”
Time Blocking is simply allocating specific blocks of time for different tasks or activities throughout the day. For example, you might allocate one block of time in the morning for checking and responding to emails, another block for focused work on a project, and a third block for personal activities or relaxation in the evening. Each block could have a different duration, from as short as 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the nature of the activity. Doing this helps you stay organized and focused, as you have a clear plan for how to spend your day-to-day. You can also ensure that important activities are completed efficiently by dedicating specific periods to tasks.
6.) Break Tasks into Smaller “Blocks”
Large tasks can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller, more manageable steps to make them feel less daunting. Let’s say you’re a wedding planner. Instead of writing down “finalize big wedding plans,” you can break that down into smaller tasks such as “finalize color palette,” “pick font pairing for wedding invitation,” and “create a poll for the flowers.” This approach makes it easier to stay focused and maintain momentum.
7.) Take Regular Breaks
Breaks are important! Don’t forget to take them throughout the day, as studies have shown that short breaks during work hours can help reduce stress, prevent burnout, and increase focus and creativity. So, be intentional even with your breaks. Take this time to stretch, hydrate, or take a quick walk. You’ll come back with renewed energy and focus that could help you accomplish tasks faster.
8.) Set Clear Boundaries
Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Avoid working outside of your designated work hours. I know it’s hard, but try to resist the urge to respond to any work-related messages during off-hours. Take this time to focus on improving parts of yourself that aren’t work-related, such as pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or simply relaxing.
9.) Say “No.”
A crucial part of being able to set clear boundaries is being able to say no. Don’t overcommit yourself by saying yes to every request that comes your way. Learn to say no when necessary to avoid spreading yourself too thin and becoming overwhelmed. If you’re already juggling multiple projects, politely decline additional tasks you don’t have time for. This way, you can keep your focus and ensure that you’re giving your best to each task and not risking subpar results.
"Either you run the day, or the day runs you." - Jim Rohn
10.) Embrace Flexibility
While routines are important, it’s also important that you embrace flexibility. Having a remote job offers the freedom to adapt to any unexpected change that might come your way. Need to run an errand? No problem! You can easily adjust your schedule as you see fit.
11.) Take a Step Back to Reflect
Regularly review your time management practices and reflect on what’s working and what isn’t. You’ll find that as you grow, so do your work habits. Like most things in life, things change and evolve, so you have to be open to making adjustments and trying new strategies to improve your productivity. I recommend dedicating time at the end of each week to review your work habits and identify areas for improvement.
12.) Stay Organized
Personally, I work best when my environment is organized and clutter-free. It helps me maintain focus and reduces stress or any distracting thoughts from surfacing. If you’re the same, I suggest you use tools like calendars, lists, and project management software to stay on top of everything. For example, you might use a digital calendar to schedule appointments and deadlines and a task management app to track your tasks and projects.
13.) Celebrate Your Progress
Finally, remember to celebrate your achievements and progress along the way. It’s really important that you recognize the effort you put into accomplishing tasks and managing your time effectively. Keep yourself motivated by celebrating these victories, no matter how “small” they may be. Reward yourself with a small treat or a break to enjoy your favorite hobby after completing a challenging task.
These are the 13 time management rules that will definitely help you manage your time like a seasoned remote worker. By following these rules, you can significantly improve your productivity, reduce stress, and achieve goals more efficiently and confidently.
It’s never too late to implement these principles into your daily routine. I didn’t learn these in one night, and it certainly took a while for me to implement these rules in my daily life. But with practice and persistence, you’ll become a time management pro in no time!
