Improving your time management

A career in law can be fast-paced and demanding, so it’s important to manage your time well.

Good time management makes you more productive and stops you feeling stressed. According to a LinkedIn study it’s also one of the top soft skills employers look for.

Set your goals

Set clear, achievable goals with reasonable deadlines, and try to make them SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely). Make a list of everything you need to do to achieve them and transfer them to a ‘done’ list as you complete them.

At the end of each week, write a list of what you plan to do the following week. Check your list at the end of each day to check you’re on track.

Use planning tools

Keep track of your work and your deadlines with a spreadsheet or a desk diary. An online time management app such as the Pomodoro technique will help you plan your activities.

Put routine and recurring activities in your diary so you can fit other tasks around them. You can use an online tool such as the Eisenhower Matrix to help prioritise your tasks.

Make the most of your time

To work more efficiently, think about:

  • what times of day you’re most productive
  • where you work best (open-plan offices or quiet break-out rooms)

If you do not have a quiet space, you can reduce distractions by turning off your phone or email notifications until you’ve completed a task.

Taking frequent short breaks increases your productivity.

Manage your workload

You do not have to say yes to every request. Saying no sometimes will give you more time to concentrate on your goals, and you’ll feel more in control of your workload. Read our blog Stop saying yes, start saying no.

Make time for a good work/life balance. Schedule regular activities to relax and increase your energy levels.

You’ll find tips for managing stress on our stress and mental health page.

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