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Most people tend to approach their work one task at a time, giving each task their full concentration until it's finished, no matter how long it takes. But, this method can often eat up your time and energy.
Timeboxing is different. It gets you to focus on the time, not on the task. You allocate a set period, called a "timebox," to each activity, and then use this time to complete the task.
This can help you to manage your time and your workload more efficiently, because it means you avoid spending too long working on tasks or overthinking problems.
To use timeboxing, start by estimating how long each item on your To-Do list will take to complete. Then, allocate these time periods to your tasks.
Don't forget to add in a sensible amount of time for breaks and interruptions. And, set a timer to alert you of when you should move on to the next task.
If you don't finish a task within the allotted timebox, you might be tempted to continue. Instead, stop and review the progress you've made.
Ask yourself, "Did I schedule in enough time?" "How could I organize my tasks differently next time?" "Should I allocate more or less time to similar tasks in the future?"
You can also use timeboxing to delegate tasks to your team members. This can be particularly useful if people struggle to meet deadlines.
