Why You can’t follow Your Perfect Timetable!

Time management is a crucial skill in our busy lives and We tend to create timetables to structure our day in order to ensure productivity, and reach our goals that either be an upcoming exam or work deliverables. It’s true that a well-planned timetable can help you stay organised, manage your ToDos, and maintain a work-life balance. But the reality is, many of us find it difficult to stick to the schedules we create to make our day perfect.
In this blog, I will talk about some common reasons why we struggle to follow our perfectly crafted timetables and suggest practical solutions to overcome these obstacles.

Setting Unrealistic Expectations

One major reason for failing to follow to a timetable is having unrealistic expectations from ourself. Often, we end up committing twice or more the effort we are currently capable of doing for work/study. It’s easy to overcommit by planning an overly packed schedule to boost our productivity, but this can lead to stress and disappointment when we can’t complete all the tasks as planned.
To avoid this, consider starting with achievable targets for your day. You know yourself and what you can realistically accomplish by the end of the day. Be honest about your capabilities and allow some flexibility for unexpected interruptions. Once you adapt this realistic schedule, you can gradually increase your commitments. It’s better to underpromise and overdeliver than the other way around.

Prolonged Period for Tasks

When we create timetables, we often forget the importance of taking regular breaks to recharge our minds. We might believe that powering through without breaks is the path to productivity, but the truth is quite the opposite. Spending prolonged hours on a single task such as study for 3 hours without breaks can not only lead to reduced productivity but also sow the seeds of burnout. You may start feeling tired, lose focus, and your efficiency may drop.
I know of a technique called the “Pomodoro” method in time management, which can help you manage your tasks more effectively. This method involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. After completing four cycles, you can reward yourself with a longer break. The Pomodoro technique is a great way to stay focused and energised throughout the day and there are apps available on smartphones based on this principle. Additionally, you can explore other similar methods like the 52–17 rule or 90-minute work sessions to find what works best for you.

Waiting for the ‘Perfect’ Time to Start

It’s a common scenario to lose track of time and find ourselves looking at a task later than initially scheduled. For instance, you may have committed to starting at 12 PM, but due to various distractions, you look at the clock and it’s already 12:17 PM. In such situations, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, ‘Well, it’s not the perfect time to start; I’ll wait until it’s 12:30 PM or something.’
However, a valuable lesson in effective time management is to prioritise the task over the clock. When you realize you’re behind schedule, don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ time that may never come, instead begin the task right there and then. Being adaptable and action-oriented can significantly enhance your productivity and help you stay on track.

Lack of Clarity on End Goals

Yet another common mistake is not keeping your ultimate goal in mind when following a timetable. It’s essential to understand why you’re adhering to a particular schedule. Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve makes it easier to stick to your schedule. In reality, your timetable should act as a roadmap that guides you towards your long-term goals.
A practical way to approach this is by aligning your daily tasks with short-term goals that contribute to your long-term one. Think of your daily activities as building blocks, each one bringing you closer to the bigger picture. Rather than simply scheduling your day, prioritise your tasks based on their significance in relation to your end goal. By doing so, you’ll maintain focus and motivation, and your timetable will become a tool for progress, not just a routine.

Conclusion

As we realise that sticking to a well-crafted timetable can indeed be a challenging endeavour, one that many of us grapple with in our daily lives, I hope I was able to help you recognise that the reasons behind our timetable struggles often lie in our approach and mindset. By incorporating the practical solutions discussed in this blog and shifting your perspective on time management, you can overcome the obstacles that have been holding you back from following your perfect timetable.
This, in turn, brings you closer to achieving your goals, whether they’re personal or professional. So, keep at it, and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go perfectly according to your timetable. Your progress is the key, and over time, you’ll see the positive impact on your life and accomplishments.

Thank you for your time!
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