Some days we wish the seconds would be longer so that we could do all our duties. Especially if you are a programmer and work on a few software projects simultaneously, you may often worry about delivering the project on time, Falling behind new technologies, or incomplete code reviews. Time management helps you handle your tasks.
Time management for programmers
The first lesson in time management is that time is usually enough if we know how to manage it. In this article, we discuss time management for programmers. We learn how to get things done on time and even have extra time to play ps4.
Today, here and in this SOJECT article, we teach you how to set your time.
.” A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life”
Charles Darwin
We all live in various circumstances leading to different opportunities, but perhaps “time” is one of God’s most incredible justice that is equal for all. How to use this blessing is the basis for the different achievements of individuals.
So if you think you have a “Sleeping Beauty Syndrome” and can not think right on busy days to go ahead with software project, time management is “the prince” who can wake you up.
What is time management?
Time management is a planned and conscious process to get things done right at best possible time.
Time management helps you act smarter instead of harder. When you have a heavy workload, intelligent action allows you to have less stress and do things efficiently, on time.
How to manage time?
Step one: make an efficient to-do list.
The first step in managing time is to list your tasks. Take a piece of paper and write all the things you need to do on it. (I strongly emphasize to write on paper instead of software. Touching the paper and pen physically reduces your stress and empties your mind.)
Besides professional activities, you should mention personal tasks, your duties toward family members, phone calls, or Possible housework.
Do not hesitate to write small and insignificant things. Write whatever comes to your mind. The more complete the list, the better you can manage your time.
Here you see an example of a to-do list:
- completing project number 1
- Starting programming project number 2
- Buying groceries for the home.
- Getting the kids to school
- Getting a haircut
- Calling a friend
- Taking a bath
Some tasks in your list may be general. For example, a complicated software project that takes several months to get done. But do not worry. We are going to talk about how to schedule these kinds of tasks for a good time management. All you have to do at this point is to make a list.
Step 2: Specify priorities.
Now separate the listed tasks into the following four categories to manage your time:
1. Important and urgent tasks
2.Unimportant and urgent tasks
3. Important and non-urgent tasks
4. Unimportant and non-urgent tasks
Important and urgent tasks:
These activities must be done in a short time. This urgency may have been due to poor planning. Anyway, in everyday life, things like this may happen. For example: dropping off or picking up kids from school -when they missed the school bus-, or replying to an administrative letter.
Always try to make room for these tasks in your planning.
Unimportant and urgent tasks:
These are things that usually take a lot of time and energy from you. For example, completing the work of a colleague that is not at the top of your list. In these cases, try to outsource the task or return it to the person in charge.
Important and non-urgent tasks
These are usually activities related to your career and personal goals that you need to plan for. See how long the project you are working on takes to get done? Then break the projects into smaller pieces and re-divide the small pieces into smaller ones so that you can finally determine the amount of work you should do in a working day.
This will reduce your stress and helps you get the software project delivered on time. Of course, remember to always leave extra time for unexpected events.
For complex projects that involve other people, You need to spend more time planning. You may use project scheduling software or draw a Gantt chart in which the activities, responsibilities, and deadlines of each task are clearly defined. In this case, it is necessary to convene a meeting and invite all the collaborators, announcing each person’s schedule, responsibility, and the deadline for each task.
Many of your personal goals, and duties towards the family also fall into this category. You should devote more than half of your time daily to these tasks. Because they are the most important ones.
Unimportant and non-urgent tasks:
These are things that are a waste of time. Either delete them or spend a little time on them.
Step 3: Find and plug your time leaks.
Always look for time leaks; examine where your time is mostly wasted. Once found, try to plug it or spend it on useful items.
For example, if you find that you usually waste 15 minutes of your time before meeting with the members of the programming team for gathering and inspiring members:
1. You have found a time leak
2. Instead of waiting, take the time to do something. Maby a minor task you have already mentioned in your to-do-list.
3. You can postpone part of your rest time to this time.
4. If you do not like these solutions, ask the programming team members to be present at the meeting at the right time. To show your seriousness, key the meeting at the top of the hour, even with one member. This approach encourages team members to attend the next session just in time.
Learn more: Necessary social skills for programmers
