Have you ever thought about what it would be like to manage your time without using a clock in your business?
Are you looking for different ways to experience the passage of time throughout your daily routine?
In this article, you’ll find four thoughtful ways to manage your time without using a clock.
Why should you learn how to manage your time without a clock?
Clocks allow us to track time in a convenient and effective way in the world of business. But if you really want to really beef up your skills, then you need to experience the passage of time without the use of a clock.
For starters, when you learn how to manage your time without a clock, you can hone your time management skills. No longer are you fully dependent on an external time-keeping device; you must use your own judgement and awareness. With practice, you may find you become quite proficient in your time reckoning!
Secondly, when you allow yourself to measure time, you can be more present in your work. There’s less need to constantly glance at the clock or your watch to see where you are. You can spend more of your energy focused on the task at hand.
Of course, in some cases you may still wish to occasionally refer to a clock or set a timer so you don’t inadvertently go over time.
How to manage your time without using a clock
If you think the only way to tell time is to keep a clock by your side and stare at the minute and hour hands as they sweep their way around the clock face…you’d be incorrect!
While a clock can help you determine time in relation to your immediate surroundings, you don’t have to rely on a clock in order to manage your time.
There’s plenty of other ways to effectively manage your minutes and hours.
The next time you find yourself without access to a clock or if you simply want a change of pace, you’ll definitely want to check out these other time-keeping methods.
Use tasks/errands/chores as a guide
If want to measure time, look no further than your daily tasks, errands, and chores.
Believe it or not, these items can be useful time-telling guides.
These items are performed on a routine basis, so there’s a good chance you perform them quickly and efficiently.
You most likely have a good sense as to how long it takes you to complete a task.
Consider for a moment any of your routine tasks, errands, and chores. How many minutes does it take you to complete each action? For example, how long does it take you to sort through your postal mail?
How long does it take you to go to the bank and pharmacy? What about taking the dog for a walk around the neighborhood?
How long does it take you to make a sandwich? Empty the garbage can? Clear out your desk’s inbox tray?
Set a production limit
A simple way to track time is to set a production limit for your work. This way you are focused on completing the task, as opposed to staring at the clock.
Let’s say you need to collate and address mailing catalogs. Instead of trying to complete as many catalogs as you possibly can, you set a goal to finish 25 catalogs.
You know it takes you roughly two minutes to finish one catalog. So, 25 catalogs multiplied by two minutes equals roughly 50 minutes. That gives you about an hour to complete this task.
You can repeat this same method with any other task. Set a specific production limit when it comes to writing emails, brainstorming ideas, cleaning a floor, or stocking a shelf.
Fortunately, this process is as easy as taking your eyes off the clock and focusing on the task at hand.
Pay attention to how you’re feeling
Paying attention to your basic needs can tell you a lot about the time. Your natural instincts will give you a hint: you just need to pay attention to how you are feeling!
For instance, do you feel sleepy or tired right now? Is it close to bedtime or is bedtime far away? Are you hungry or thirsty? Is it almost mealtime or are you feeling pleasantly satiated?
Practice paying attention to your body’s cues throughout the day.
Notice those external cues
Did you know you can tell time by paying attention to your immediate environment? The more you pay attention to what’s going on around you, the better sense of time you’ll have.
Try being more aware and receptive to regular cues in your daily routine. What are some examples of external cues?
Your pet cat might start rubbing their head on your leg which may mean it’s getting close to kitty’s dinnertime.
You might hear more car traffic which may mean the school across the street has let out for the day.
Or you might realize it’s mid-morning when the postal mail is delivered to your desk.
How about you? Which external cues are you going to use to help you manage your time without using a clock? Join the conversation and leave a comment below!
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