Keeping Track of Time: Time-based and Task-based Approaches Explained

Time is a finite resource, so it’s important to keep track of time wisely and account for every waking moment. But how? That’s the big question. Time can slip through our fingers as easily as water on a rainy day.

It feels like there are moments when we have plenty of time, and then BOOM! Suddenly, all that remains is an expanse of emptiness and unanswered questions about where the time went.

If you struggle with staying on track with your time management, you’re not alone.

Our lives are fast-paced and filled with numerous responsibilities that vie for our attention on any given day. Time management skills aren’t exactly a natural talent – they take deliberate practice to further develop them into something routine.

Luckily, there are several ways you can stay on track with your time from now until forevermore.

Why Should You Track Your Time?

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You might think that time tracking is only for people who have to bill by the hour. However, time tracking is actually beneficial for everyone and can help you create a more efficient schedule, to-dos, and prevent losing track of time.

When you’re able to see exactly how you spend your time, you can start identifying potential areas for improvement and stop worrying.

Once you see where your time goes, it’s easier to make adjustments so you can use your time more purposefully. For example, maybe you notice that you spend hours on social media sites when you’re supposed to be working.

Another reason to track your time is that it’s a good way to stay on top of your productivity.

How to Keep Track of Time?

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Before we get into the details of tracking your time, it’s important to note that there are two different types of time tracking: task-based and time-based. Task-based tracking is essentially monitoring how long each task takes.

Time-based tracking is monitoring how long each workflow takes. Tracking tasks is good for projects that have a start and end date but no defined timeline for completion. Tracking workflow is good for ongoing projects with a set timeline for completion.

For task-based time tracking, you can use a paper journal or an online tool like Timetrack. You can also use the timesheets feature by TimeTrack to track your employees’ time and their tasks in the office. It includes all the features of a paper timesheet along with absenteeism correction and data saving. This will help to accomplish all jobs in a set time.

For time-based time tracking, you can choose to track your time manually or use a TimeClock, which allows you to track your times to the minute – anytime and from anywhere. For manual time tracking, you can use a timer or a journal to write down when you start working on a task and when you take a break from it. Although this method might seem tedious, it’s a good way to take note of exactly how much time you spend on each task.

How to Avoid Losing Track of Time

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One of the main reasons you lose track of time is that you aren’t paying attention to it in the first place. Sounds familiar? It’s important to set clear expectations for yourself and those around you to avoid losing track of time.

This can be as simple as setting an alarm on your phone if you have a deadline or stopping when you realize that you have lost focus on the task at hand. Another thing you can do to avoid losing track of time is to set up a system to follow.

You can either use a timer or a journal to write down how much time you spend on each task. Once you have this information, you can use it to improve your time management in the future and also become more efficient at your workplace.

Methods, Few Tips, and Tools to Track Your Time

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The best time tracking method for you will depend on what you want to track, how much time you have available, and which tools are accessible for you. Here are a few common time-tracking methods:

Pomodoro Technique

With the help of the Pomodoro Technique, people are encouraged to work with their available time instead of working against it. You divide your day into 25-minute halves and five-minute intervals. Pomodoros are the name for these breaks. You take a lengthier pause of roughly fifteen to twenty minutes after four pomodoros.

Paper Journal

If you want to keep it simple, a paper journal is a great way to track your time. You can use it to track both workflow and task times. You might want to include information like the project you’re working on, the start and end times of your important tasks, and the name of your client or employer if you have one.

Timer

If you want to keep track of task times, a timer is a good option. Timers are great if you don’t have a project deadline. You can use a timer if you work in an office environment and need to track your daily computer usage or if you freelance and need to track your billable hours.

If you’re tracking your computer time, you can use the stopwatch feature on your computer or download a timer app onto your phone. If you’re tracking your billable hours, you might want to consider a program like TimeTrack that can track time and project details for you.

Online Time-Tracking Tool

If you want to keep track of your workflow and project details, as well as your task times, an online time-tracking tool might be right for you.

Benefits of Tracking Your Time

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When it comes to time tracking, the benefits are clear. You can see how your time is being spent, which allows you to make adjustments. Once you start tracking your time, you’ll have a better idea of how much time you need to complete your tasks and thus work efficiently by measuring your performance.

This will allow you to better plan your day or week and create a realistic schedule for yourself. Additionally, tracking your time can help you identify wasted hours and areas for improvement. You can use your time-tracking data to see where you spend too much time and where you could be more productive.

Track of Time: Do’s and Dont’s

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Do’s

Do create a schedule

You may think that you don’t need a schedule because you’re an “advanced” time manager. But even the most seasoned professionals benefit from having a schedule and an optimized to do list.

As you track your time, you can see where you’re spending too much time and where you’re not spending enough time. This will allow you to create a schedule that better suits your needs. Plus, having a schedule and a to do list will help you be more consistent and productive.

Do set time-based goals

Along with creating a schedule, you can set time-based goals. You can use your time-tracking data to set goals related to how much time you want to spend on each task. You can even set goals for how much time you want to spend on non-billable tasks, like reading emails.

Dont’s

Don’t let time tracking consume your life

Although time tracking is beneficial, it’s important not to let it consume your life. There needs to be a balance between tracking your time and actually doing work.

Don’t stress over time tracking

It’s important to remember that time tracking is not the end goal. Instead, it’s a tool that you can use to make better decisions and be more productive.

Conclusion

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The best way to make the most of your time is to be mindful of how you’re spending it. Keep track of your time and use this information to make adjustments to become more productive.

Timetrack is a tool that aids in time management. The TimeTrack app can therefore assist you in adhering to the most crucial time management rules in your daily schedule and assist you in remaining productive rather than searching for the appropriate files or writing it all in pocket notebooks.

It has a timer, calendar, and widget that display how much time you have left to complete your chores and how much time you may cut. For individuals who wish to estimate how much time they will need for jobs and projects, Time Clock from TimeTrack is a great program.

It is a great time management tool that offers customization according to your needs and helps you track your time in an efficient and better manner.