Many a time, so much time is spent at work that we barely have time for ourselves. Bringing work home, working late, or overworking ourselves to exhaustion eats up our personal time for reflection that is essential for our personal growth. Here are 5 steps to help you manage your time effectively so that you will have ample time to devote to your journey of personal growth.

1. Identify your time-bandits
Time-bandits are little activities that steal your productivity-time without you realizing it. Identify those little scoundrels - be it surfing the Internet, checking your email or checking Facebook. Track your activities thoroughly so that you are cognizant of what you're actually spending your time on.

2. Create goals
As much as we want to, we cannot change time. No matter what we do, there will still be only 24 hours a day. So instead of ruminating, set goals to start eliminating these time-wasters.. and establish plans and strategies to help yourself keep track of them! Whether it's a day-timer or a software program, physically manage your time and be aware of how you're going to spend your time. Use software programs to schedule events and tasks, and set alerts so that you are reminded of them in advance to help you manage your time.

3. Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize
Identify your most important tasks of the day and your performance benchmark. Keep your most important tasks to 2-3 and focus on accomplishing them by the end of the day. Alternatively, arrange your tasks in order from most to least important. That way, your day will be spent more productively, striking off urgent tasks on your list instead of allowing less important tasks to steal your time.

4. Learn Delegation
A one-man show is rarely ever needed. To optimize your productivity, some people need to carry some of your load.

5. Establish routines and create new habits
We’re all creatures of habit and thrive in routine. Establishing fixed routines and new positive habits with regards to how you manage your time helps you automate new practices and build stronger personal systems for yourself to adhere to. In fact, starting your day out with positive habits that contribute to your personal growth can help you start the day out more positively and with more energy to blast through the day!

Time management is essential for optimal function - whether at the office, at home or for your journey of personal growth.

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