Having spent much of my professional life in front of a computer, I can admit that the issue of “time management” is quite complicated and challenging.

In an ideal world, we would all work a full eight hours (and put), taking only the necessary breaks, and the rest of the time, we would use it to finish the endless lists of our To-Dos.

However, this ideal world does not exist; therefore, since I was a shining example of what we call a productivity killer, I decided overnight to put an end to my need to waste my time.

The big (and challenging) decision was made when for the umpteenth time, I spent day and night trying to complete my obligations, losing drinks and walks with my friends, endless hours of sleep, leaving aside my time, and generally living in a state of panic that I will not be able to finish anything.

Especially in cases like mine, where I do not have fix working hours and work as a freelancer, getting out of schedule is possible. No matter what we say, when someone works according to a regular schedule, things are relatively more straightforward. But even there, how many times have we not worked overtime because we did not plan our time properly?

So, the big “bet” was the realization of my decision. Unfortunately, this world’s freelancers cannot always work within the program. Still, it is essential to follow some “rules” to meet our obligations strictly.

An important factor that could help achieve the goal is finding why we want to increase our productivity. To get more work done, to relax towards the end of the working day, or because they say that is the right thing to do?

Everyone can find their reasons. For me, it was that I worked all day practically; I had no free time at all, which resulted in me being in a complete disorder; I couldn’t organize anything. So after I got to the point where I didn’t know if I would be able to get on the plane to go to my best friend’s bachelor, I decided it was time to take action.

So, here are some tips that may help you overcome your “productivity-killing” tendencies.

Buy a planner

Online applications are excellent; time management apps are perfect, but not as perfect as the traditional planner. When we write something, it subconsciously passes as a message to our brain. We consider it more easily. You will write everything in the planner—your appointments, deadlines, what you need to do, and what is essential. I have post-it packs on the planner’s front to write down small things, such as an address for a meeting.

However, if you are fond of technology, I would suggest two applications, which have helped me a lot in my organization. Trello is a project management tool, and you can make lists of things to do, put labels, put notifications, and of course, you can share these tables with your partners. I use it with great ease in my work, and it has helped me a lot. Another application that has untied my hands is Google Keep. It works like a notebook; you can write lists and anything else that comes to mind. I use this application to keep articles that I want to read and primarily make lists for the supermarket or shopping. Ever since I started using it, it has never come home having forgotten something.

Set realistic goals

Do not expect that you will be the queen of time management from one day to the next. It requires a lot of hard work and effort. It took me several weeks to see results in how I manage my time. An easy and effective way to set realistic goals is the SMART method. It's a game changer for all aspects of your life, and especially for your finances and work-related issues. You will be surprised how easy it will be to define your goals and accomplish them.

Use the mobile phone as a tool for your work and not as entertainment, at least during your working hours.

I had my mobile phone in my hand all the time, with the excuse that something could happen, with the sound on, resulting in checking notifications every two minutes. Nothing ever happened, though; I was getting irrelevant notifications. So, I decided that what I needed to do was learn how to do it right, keep it up to date (and I’ll look at it every two hours to see if something is essential). As for the calls as well, it will be useful to learn to do some filtering. If it’s a business phone call, then yes, you will pick it up. But if they take you for the umpteenth time from a promotion company, do not answer. Your mother and friends can wait to talk to you, and your coworker can text you.

Make a rudimentary program that will be realistic, and you will be able to follow it as much as possible.

For a long time, I would put a week’s obligations in one day, resulting from doing half of them. So, I shifted duties from week to week, and then “boom” a big panic and many commitments that I had to carry out in one day. For example, do not arrange 34,245 appointments with customers for Monday. The possible scenario is that you will be running like crazy all day. You will possibly not manage -again- to cook, and either you will take it out with toast or eat something unhealthy outside.

Learn to say no.

With Mother Teresa’s syndrome deeply ingrained in me, I was continually struggling to find a way to satisfy everyone - except myself. Say no to the beer invitation with a company that you are bored with for fear of losing something unique. Also, learn to say no when you feel that what they ask you is too much for you. For example, my acquaintances, not even my friends, come and want me to translate something “easy” for them. Well, do it yourself! Because they want me to do it when they want and of course for free. When I started saying "NO", I realized how much time I saved. Redefine your priorities.

Divide your daily tasks properly.

The rule “8 hours work-8 hours sleep-8 hours for ourselves” cannot be applied, at least for the majority of us, but make a plan of how you spend your hours. Do not limit your sleep hours; do not overdo it, but make sure you have at least 3-4 hours a day for you and your family.

Every time you complete your goals, make a gift to yourself.

It doesn't have to be something big and expensive; it could be a walk, a walk with a friend, an episode of your favorite series. Take care of yourself and reward them whenever you manage to accomplish your time management goals. You will find such motivation and you will definitely want to keep going.

The path is hard. You will spend many hours trying to find your way. But when my brother (you know, the one who used to call me a productivity killer) told me one day: “You know, I am collaborating with many people. Damn, you are the most productive person I have ever met”, I realized that I had made it!