Why is it important to estimate time accurately?
Accurately estimating time allows you to figure out how long it will take you to complete a task. With better time estimation, you are more likely to get things done on time because it helps you:
- know when you need to start working on tasks.
- recognize what is urgent, which will inspire you to start working on projects sooner.
- spend the most time on things that are high priority and less time on things that are low priority.
Why do I have such a hard time estimating time?
There’s no single reason why some people are better at accurately estimating time and some find it more difficult. Estimating time is actually quite complex. It requires multiple skills such as breaking down and sequencing tasks, self-reflection and self-awareness, the ability to notice the passing of time, cognitive flexibility, and big picture planning. It also requires lots and lots and lots of practice. Many people with ADHD, learning disorders, and autism find estimating time more challenging. However, many people without those diagnoses also find it difficult.
How to improve time estimation
One of the most important steps to improving time estimation is realizing that it’s a skill that needs to be developed. You can get better at time estimation but you’ll need to work at it. Improving your time estimation involves a combination of increasing your awareness of time and actively practicing time estimation.
Make time visual
A time timer is a visual stopwatch that increases motivation and focus. Many students find it more tolerable to do a boring task when they can see how much longer they have left. A time timer also makes it easier to visualize time as it passes, helping maintain a sense of urgency throughout a work period. Simply set it for the time duration you allocated for your current task and place it next to you while you work.
Surround yourself with analog clocks
You’ll be more aware of time if you have visual reminders of it everywhere. People tend to rely on cell phones to tell time but they are unhelpful for three main reasons:
- They are incredibly distracting. A quick time check can lead to reading text messages or notifications. Suddenly you’re off-task.
- Putting your phone away or on silent is a good strategy for maintaining focus. You’ll need another way to tell time when you do that.
- You need to be able to see time often and spontaneously. Phones tend to live hidden out of sight in pockets, purses, and backpacks. You need something that you can see with a quick glance.
For these reasons, it’s important to wear a watch and have an analog clock on the wall in every room where you work. Why an analog clock? It’s much easier to visualize time with an analog clock. A digital clock requires you to do some math every time you need to figure out how much time you have left. For many people, seeing time visually on an analog clock is much more effective at maintaining a sense of internal urgency to work efficiently.
Practice time estimation
Feedback is one of the most important components of helping us determine if we’re performing well or if we need some improvement. One of the best ways to improve time estimation is to practice it in a way that allows you to quickly assess the accuracy of your estimation. Our time estimation worksheet will help you do just that. You’ll start by writing down how long you think something will take and then you’ll record how long it actually took and compare the results. Students are often quite surprised by the results. Inaccurate time estimation often goes unnoticed until you have a way of measuring it.
