Key Terms: Time Management
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BACKWARD PLANNING
Starting from a deadline and working backward to assign dates to each task or milestone. Helps you identify how much time is actually available before each step needs to be done.

BATCH PROCESSING
Grouping similar tasks together and completing them in one focused session rather than switching between different types of work. Reduces the mental overhead of task-switching.

BODY DOUBLING
Working in the presence of another person — even silently or virtually — as a way to improve focus and accountability. Useful for tasks that are hard to start or sustain alone.

BUFFER TIME
Extra time built into a schedule between tasks or before a deadline to absorb unexpected delays. Without it, a single disruption can cascade into missed deadlines.

COGNITIVE LOAD
The total amount of mental effort being used at one time. Too many competing demands reduce your ability to focus effectively on any one task.

DEEP WORK
Focused, uninterrupted effort on cognitively demanding tasks. Requires intentional time protection and is different from shallow work, which can be done in a fragmented or distracted state.

EISENHOWER MATRIX
A prioritization tool that divides tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither. Helps identify what to do now, schedule for later, delegate, or drop.

FLOW STATE
A mental state of complete absorption in a task, where time passes differently and output tends to be high quality. Occurs when task difficulty is well matched to your skill level.

KANBAN
A visual workflow tool that organizes tasks into columns — typically To Do, In Progress, and Done. Makes the state of your work visible and helps limit how many tasks are active at once.

MINIMUM VIABLE PROGRESS
The smallest meaningful unit of work you can complete on a low-energy day to maintain momentum without requiring peak focus.

POMODORO TECHNIQUE
A time management method using 25-minute focused work intervals followed by a 5-minute break. After four intervals, take a longer break. Designed to maintain focus and prevent burnout.

PROCRASTINATION
Delaying tasks despite knowing the delay will have negative consequences. Often tied to task aversion, unclear starting points, or fear of imperfect output rather than poor time management skills.

SHALLOW WORK
Low-cognitive-demand tasks such as checking email or scheduling. Important to do but should be grouped together and not allowed to crowd out time for deep work.

TIME AUDIT
Tracking how you actually spend your time over several days, then comparing it to how you intended to spend it. Reveals the gap between intention and reality.

TIME BLOCKING
Scheduling specific blocks on a calendar for specific tasks or task types, rather than working reactively from a to-do list. Treats your time as a finite resource to be allocated deliberately.