Self-management: 10 best techniques, tips and methods
One of the biggest frustrations of the modern world is that we have so many options, but seemingly too little time. That’s why it’s even more important to plan your life well and efficiently in order to make the most of it.
And in order for you to realize the full potential of your life, there is no way around good self-management these days. That’s why, together with The ChainlessLIFE, we’ve put together the 10 best tips, techniques & methods for really effective self-management for you in this article.
What does “good self-management” even mean?
Many may know the term time management, but self-management? What is the self and how can this “self-management” help us to live more orderly and effectively in everyday life and thus automatically be more satisfied? So, let’s first take a closer look at the individual terms.
Self-management is the competence to shape one’s own personal and professional development independently of external influences. Every self is its own individual manager, so to speak. And if you are a good manager of yourself, you can work and live more effectively and happily.
The self is personal and peculiar, because in every situation it is necessary to act and to take a role. The situations which have to be mastered, however, leave room for organization and structure. This means that the self, the individual person, can order and manage actions in time.
“Order is half of life“. Let’s bring this order into our everyday life, because no matter what comes, everything can be mastered effectively and consciously. As in any other situation in life, practice makes perfect.
#1 Recognize weaknesses
What are the chances that your manager or employer has already asked you about your strengths and weaknesses? This is a popular question, yet it is always intriguing because weaknesses are like an inexhaustible reservoir of potential.
Let’s take track and field athletes as an example, who have nevertheless made a discipline out of a disability or weakness. Every Paralympic world champion has put enough energy and work into this discipline to be successful. Why don’t we admit our weaknesses and be successful because of them?
The next time you meet with a friend, he/she will be able to give you answers. A simple question might be something like:
“What are my weaknesses?”
“What are my shortcomings?”
“How can I improve?”
These provide the initial insight to understand the self in the first place. Upon this, this weakness can be nurtured like a child. Real miracles can happen, provided weaknesses have been recognized and courageously accepted. Therefore, the following applies: Find weaknesses, make a note of them and keep them in front of your eyes.
#2 Offer help
No matter who asks us, we should take every opportunity to nurture contacts, whether friends, family or strangers. This also means spontaneous, voluntary service on their side. Every relationship is worth its weight in gold, so we should treat our neighbors the same way. Inquiries, inquiries and inquiries are our best companions, because who asks the question, so it is said in psychology, leads the conversation.
If we are connected with a healthy circle of people, then our environment will also be healthy and even successful. Sharing desires and individual dreams also includes the possibility of finding congruent goals. Once this is the case, collaboration is the order of the day.
# 3 Self-reflection on gratitude and goals
Gratitude brings you down, and goals make you soar high. Both are possible and can be consciously applied. Aren’t we rich enough already, maybe we just need a little more appreciation and gratitude for our fellow human beings and goods? To that end, write down three words each evening that inspire a sense of gratitude:
Goals should find a place as well, no matter how tiny they may be. Don’t be afraid to write such small goals in your journal every evening. And don’t let it bother you that they may be different goals every day. But after a few weeks you will recognize your pattern. You will find a lowest common denominator in the things you are grateful for and in the goals you strive for.
#4 The SMART Method
When reflecting on your goals, also make sure that you formulate them with the SMART Method. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attractive, Realistic and Timely. Meaning:
– Be precise in your planning, but leave room for a creative process.
– Measurable success is really visible when we note and analyze it.
– Attractive means that this process is attractive and fruitful for you and others.
– Of course, all goals should be realizable and true to life.
– Deadline, task and self-management provide clear work structures.
#5 Notes, memories and modern technology
Our smartphones and computers are both a curse and a blessing. They can be really good helpers, reminding us of important appointments and getting our work done successfully. At the same time, they can also distract us. To avoid this, you can use app blockers or hide your fun apps in a separate folder. Useful apps, such as the Forest app or Blocksite, help you keep your focus.
#6 ABC method
With each task priority can be created, thereby order comes up. ABC refers to importance and priority of a task. Everything that is important and should be done immediately is A, everything that is not completely urgent is B, and C describes the long-term tasks. So take another close look at your to-do list and prioritize your tasks according to the ABC method.
A – These tasks are usually not delegable. Therefore, you can usually only do them yourself. Since they have a high “value“, you should plan about 4 – 6h (60% of your working time) for them.
B – These tasks are averagely important & sometimes well delegable. You can schedule about 1h (25% of your working time) for them.
C – These tasks have the least added value. Most of the time they waste your time (e.g. phone calls etc.). You should devote about three quarters of an hour (max. 15% of your time) of your working day to them.
In summary, the ABC method should be used less alone, but rather in combination with another time management methods. But nevertheless it is an extremely helpful tool, which can help you with your decision making and accordingly for your self and time management.
#7 Align time and space
Order and concentration go hand in hand! If you design your physical space, create order and provide structure, you will find it easier to get your work done. The outer space reflects your inner self. Set yourself up in such a way that the working atmosphere is always tidy and clean, so that clear thinking and effective work are possible.
Good light, plants, minerals and clean water create a pleasant atmosphere. The early morning hours are ideal for creating clarity. Plans, thought processes, even dreams can be manifested well here, as soon as the sun rises we should already be ready with all preparations.
#8 Intuitively you work better
If you recognize your own intuitive nature or your biological clock, you should use it! Working intuitively means to include spontaneous and creative processes. It means to use your own mood to realize yourself. Let’s say we have many things to do, but intuitively feel called to a creative task, then we can, for example, design a mind-map that creatively brings together all the work processes.
This effect of one’s own natural gift may be peculiar at the moment, but in the long run it is necessary to master one’s own personal way of working, and our intuitive sense helps in this regard.
#9 Keep a Not-To-Do List
If you know how the mind works, you can make better decisions. This is like a surgeon’s scalpel, which is wonderfully fine and serves to separate things from each other. So we can train and practice this intellect, our gift to distinguish. Analytical thinking as well. Let’s start with things in our environment. Are they really useful or rather hindering to the self?
We look at our work spaces and then we can practice further with our tasks. Are these useful and necessary or rather hindering and distancing from the actual essence? A not-to-do list helps make distinctions. Note all time wasters, and then rigorously clean out.
#10 Be radically honest with yourself!
You yourself are in control of your own actions, relationships and ways of working. So actually be honest with yourself, because this very honesty will only enrich you emotionally, but it also automatically ensures that your processes, routines & patterns become more clearly visible.
Every form of self-deception is ultimately based on doubts and fears. Take some time out, for example to meditate or to do breathing exercises. In these breaks you can give your subconscious the space to reflect on your work and put yourself back on track.
Conclusion: Why good self-management is so important for your success
The art of self-management is setting clear and realistic goals. Because success doesn’t always have to mean a big mansion and five Ferraris. It’s the happy and honest connections in your life that give you a sense of purpose and will always be with you. In the end, success means being happy with yourself.
We really learn a lot by identifying our personal goals and heading towards them. And good self-management helps on the one hand to uncover our goals in the first place, to anticipate wishes and dreams and then finally to bring them into life.
On the other hand, a good and effective self-management also helps us to use our energy and resources wisely in order to achieve our goals. Especially in modern times, where there are so many possibilities, it is even more important to organize and use your resources and time consciously & purposefully.
See yourself as your own company, so to speak – professionally and privately. This includes a clear goal setting, budget planning and also the ability to set clear priorities and make decisions – and in turn to say no to everything that will bring you closer to your dream life. I wish you on this web now all the best and much success!
Use your potential!
