No matter how you slice it, there are only 24 hours in a day. Time is a finite resource, and it is up to you to make the most of it. If you lose money, you might get a chance to make it back; but a wasted hour is irreplaceable. While we can’t add hours to our day, we can understand the importance of time management, and how it helps you maximize the time you have. This isn’t just a skill for businessmen to master. Everyone could benefit from managing their time more effectively.

The importance of time management comes down to how much it impacts your personal and professional life. Time management is organizing your day so that you find the best use for every moment. Excellent time management allows you to create a healthy balance in work and home life.

The consequences of failed time management include missing important deadlines and living with excessive stress.

It is never too late to change. Set deadlines, get organized, delegate tasks and prioritize your to-do list to get the most value for your time. With the right skills and tools, you will experience a lot of benefits from good time management.

Here are some reasons why you should start:

1. Do More With Less
   Knowing how to manage time means you will be able to accomplish more in shorter periods of time with less effort. You can do much more when you truly focus. Prioritizing and matching tasks to a time frame is one way. Instead of trying to do important tasks in a short period, complete a minor function. Then free up enough time for important projects. If you can find an extra hour everyday, you free up 365 hours a year for work or leisure.
2. Make Work Fulfilling
   There is nothing more frustrating than spending a day completely busy but entirely unproductive. A feeling of accomplishment helps motivation and allows being able to relax and enjoy your free time. By being aware of your use of time, you end up with more of it to spend on those things you love.
3. End Indecisiveness
   Worrying about if you have made the right choice can be time consuming. Big decisions take more time but the small decisions made every day can be big time-wasters. Hesitation in deciding what to do next can have a major time cost. Create a plan or routine to keep from using any precious minutes deciding on your next step.
4. Achieve Goals Faster
   Many people need big goals to feel fulfilled. But without time management, these goals can sit on the shelf indefinitely. Perhaps you need to work out at the gym to lead a healthier lifestyle but don’t think you have the time. You can probably carve out the time if you focus on time management.
5. Boost Confidence
   Time management can improve your confidence. You are more likely to take care of yourself properly if you have the time to do so. You will feel and look more put together before you start your day. You will get a boost from feeling a sense of accomplishment. If you meet obligations and exceed other’s expectations, it can be a huge motivator. If you get behind and feel stress, it can lead to burnout.
6. Have More Energy To Achieve More
   Constantly feeling worn out and stressed is miserable. It makes it difficult to try new things. Life is more exciting when you are energized. You are more likely to take on a new role or hobby, instead of planting yourself on the couch.
7. Make More Time To Do The Things You Love
   After taking into account the time it takes to sleep, work, eat or travel and personal health care, you have about 3-4 hours a day to do the things you do for fun. By learning to manage time, you will have more opportunity to work on personal growth, and spend time with family or friends. Quality time is priceless.
8. Reduce Stress And Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed
   With a lot of daily tasks on your to-do list, you can become over whelmed. Good time management means you learn categorize and prioritize everything required. You learn to see things you can ask others to do and as a result be calmer and more accomplished.