Time Estimation Pitfalls: How to Stay Ahead of the Clock

Last week I shared some tips that can help make it easier to estimate how long tasks will take when planning your work.

This week let’s explore some of the obstacles that may get in the way of you estimating the time you need:

The Planning Fallacy: We tend to be overly optimistic when estimating time, leading to underestimation of the time tasks will take.

Overcome this mistake by adopting a more realistic approach. Ditch the optimism and build in some time for unexpected challenges.

Unclear Scope: Lack of clarity about the scope of a project or task can make it challenging to estimate accurately.

Take the time to break down your tasks into specific components to make it easier to understand what you need to get done.

Multi-tasking: Switching between tasks frequently can lead to inefficiencies and make time estimation more challenging.

Resist the temptation to multi-task. Not only does it slow you down, it makes it harder to accurately estimate how long the task took (for future reference) because you were also answering emails and phone calls whilst working.

Interruptions and Distractions: Unexpected interruptions and distractions can disrupt your workflow and extend task completion times.

Minimise your interruptions and distractions where possible to make it easier to stay on track with your time estimates. Creating some boundaries for yourself (and others) about the time planned to work can help.

Zero Time Tracking: Not tracking your time accurately can hinder your ability to improve future time estimates. Whether you make physical or mental notes about how long tasks take, try taking some notes because this is helpful information for future reference!

Remember that time estimation is not a one-time task; it's an ongoing process of iteration and adjustment. As you progress on your solopreneurial path, you'll gain insights, refine your techniques, and become more adept at estimating time accurately.

And if you’re ready to take control of your time and fast-forward your solopreneurial success book a Time Design session with me. During the call, we'll delve into your unique challenges, discuss strategies tailored to your needs, and uncover the untapped potential within your schedule. Click on the clock to connect!