Mastering Time: Goals, Priorities, and Discipline

Understanding Goals Clearly and Prioritizing Tasks

Clearly Define Your Goals

Each of us has our own aspirations, but without clearly defining our goals, it’s easy to get caught up in things that are not important. Professor Stephen Covey from Brigham Young University emphasized in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People that defining both long-term and short-term goals not only helps you know where you’re heading but also keeps you motivated throughout the journey.

An effective way to define goals is to answer the question: “Does this bring the greatest value to my life?” For example, if you’re investing in the U.S. stock market, the goal might be to achieve stable annual returns rather than chasing big profits in the short term. This will help you avoid making emotional decisions when the market fluctuates.

Strategically Classify Tasks

To handle tasks effectively, classifying them based on their importance and urgency is a crucial step. KTGA recommends using the “Eisenhower Matrix” – a famous time management tool named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower. This matrix divides tasks into four categories:

• Important and urgent: Complete immediately.
• Important but not urgent: Plan to address later.
• Not important but urgent: Consider delegating to others.
• Not important and not urgent: Eliminate or minimize as much as possible.

For instance, if a stock in your portfolio is at risk due to market news, this is an “important and urgent” task that needs immediate attention. However, researching potential stocks for your long-term portfolio is “important but not urgent” – you should allocate time for this on weekends.

Planning and Allocating Time Wisely

Create a Detailed Schedule

A good plan brings proactivity to life. Dr. Laura Vanderkam from Princeton University states, “Time management is like investing in stocks – without a clear strategy, you can easily waste resources.” Every day, spend at least 15 minutes in the evening to make a to-do list for the next day.

Try applying a detailed schedule based on time blocks. For example:

7:00 – 8:00: Update on stock market news.
9:00 – 10:30: Analyze investment portfolio.
10:30 – 11:00: Take a break or read financial books.

Don’t forget to allocate time for unexpected tasks, such as an urgent call from your broker. This helps reduce stress and maintain flexibility in your daily work.

Take Breaks Effectively

Many people believe that working continuously leads to higher productivity, but in reality, this is completely opposite. A study from Harvard University shows that people who take breaks during work have 20% higher productivity than those who work without breaks. Therefore, prioritize short periods for relaxation and energy replenishment

Eliminating Distractions

Limit Technology Distractions

In the digital age, phones and computers can easily become the enemies of focus. Dr. Cal Newport from Georgetown University proposed the “Deep Work” method – a technique that requires you to set aside uninterrupted time to focus entirely on important tasks.

For example, when you need to analyze stock market data, turn off notifications on your phone and computer, and stay away from social media for at least 90 minutes. This will help you concentrate fully, leading to more accurate decisions.

Create an Ideal Workspace

A good work environment plays a crucial role in boosting productivity. KTGA suggests that your workspace should be quiet, airy, and tidy. If possible, invest in a desk at home with natural light, along with a few books on finance to inspire you.

“Don’t let external factors influence your decisions, especially when the market is full of volatility.” – Dr. Daniel Kahneman, Princeton University

Strengthening Self-Discipline– The Key to Mastering Time

Discipline is not merely following rigid rules but the art of steering the mind to maintain focus in all situations. KTGA believes that developing self-discipline is not easy, but it is the first step toward achieving freedom in how you manage your time.

A study by Professor Roy Baumeister from the University of Florida shows that personal discipline is not an innate trait, but can be improved through practice. Specifically, this research proves that people who maintain simple habits like writing a daily to-do list are up to 25% more productive than those who don’t.

However, you should also avoid a common mistake: pressuring yourself with unrealistic expectations. KTGA has seen many cases where time managers create overly packed schedules, leading to burnout and a loss of motivation.

Avoid Procrastination, Don’t Let Pressure Build Up

When you feel overwhelmed with tasks, procrastination might seem like a natural response. However, it is never the solution. According to Dr. Piers Steel from the University of Calgary, procrastination can reduce work effectiveness by 40% and cause severe mental stress.

Instead, break tasks down into smaller, manageable parts. For example, instead of trying to complete a 30-page market analysis in one day, break it into smaller tasks like gathering data, analyzing trends, and writing the report. By completing each part, you will feel much less pressure.

One tip KTGA often uses is the “Pomodoro” technique, working for 25 minutes of intense focus followed by a short break. This method not only boosts performance but also significantly reduces mental stress.

Develop a Habit of Self-Review and Progress Evaluation

Self-assessment is not only the final step in time management, but also a tool for discovering potential weaknesses. According to research from Harvard Business School, individuals who spend 15 minutes each day reviewing their work are able to improve their personal performance by up to 23%.

You can try a simple but effective method: spend 5 minutes at the end of each day noting three things you did well and one thing that needs improvement. This habit not only helps you recognize progress but also boosts motivation.

For example, if you’re tracking stocks of large tech companies like Apple or Microsoft, noting the daily price changes will give you clearer insights into market trends and potential mistakes to avoid in the future.

Motivate Yourself with Small Achievements

Sometimes, satisfaction comes from small victories. Imagine you set a goal to increase your investment portfolio by 10% over 6 months. Instead of focusing solely on the final outcome, celebrate each milestone you reach.

For instance, when you research thoroughly and successfully invest in a stock from the S&P 500, that’s already a significant step forward. Take some time to reward yourself, perhaps with a nice dinner or a book you love.

Another useful approach is sharing your achievements with a like-minded community. The empathy and encouragement from those around you can fuel your journey