Think self-management is all about having a perfectly organised calendar and never procrastinating? Think again – you’re probably already crushing it at self-management in ways that matter more. Here are four surprising signs that you’re better at managing yourself than you realise.
You can balance multiple interests without dropping the ball
Whether you’re:
- Juggling school work with sports or hobbies
- Managing a part-time job alongside studies
- Keeping up with different friend groups
- Maintaining various social media accounts
- Participating in multiple online communities
You’re demonstrating advanced self-management skills. The ability to switch between different roles and responsibilities while keeping everything moving forward is incredibly valuable in the workplace.
What makes this impressive isn’t doing everything perfectly – it’s being able to:
- Know what needs your attention when
- Shift priorities when necessary
- Recover quickly when things slip
- Learn from experience about what works
- Adjust your approach based on energy levels
You have your own “systems” that work for you
Maybe your desk looks chaotic to others, but you know exactly where everything is. Perhaps your study method seems weird, but it gets results. If you’ve developed your own ways to:
- Remember important stuff
- Track assignments and deadlines
- Organise your digital files
- Manage your energy throughout the day
- Keep track of commitments
You’re showing excellent self-management skills. Creating personal systems that work for you (rather than following someone else’s “perfect” system) shows you understand your own needs and can adapt accordingly.
You know how to reset when things get overwhelming
If you can:
- Recognise when you’re getting stressed
- Take breaks before burnout hits
- Find ways to motivate yourself
- Get back on track after setbacks
- Ask for help when you need it
You’re demonstrating crucial self-management skills. The ability to monitor your own state and take action to maintain your effectiveness is incredibly valuable in any setting.
You’re getting better at managing your online time
Whether you:
- Set limits on your social media use
- Use app features to stay focused
- Take breaks from your phone when needed
- Prioritise important messages over casual scrolling
- Balance online and offline activities
You’re showing sophisticated self-management skills. In a world of constant digital distractions, the ability to manage your online presence and attention is increasingly important.
Where you’ll use this skill in the workplace
Self-management skills are essential in every job. Here’s where you’ll use them:
Project management
Just like balancing different subjects and assignments, you’ll need to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in the workplace.
Remote work
Similar to managing your study time, you’ll need to structure your workday and stay productive without constant supervision.
Stress management
Your experience in recognising and managing stress will help you maintain productivity under pressure.
Time management
Like balancing social media and other activities, you’ll need to manage your time and attention effectively at work.
Professional development
Just as you’ve created systems for learning and improving in your interests, you’ll need to manage your career growth and skill development.
Workload prioritisation
Similar to deciding what needs attention first in your busy schedule, you’ll need to prioritise work tasks effectively.
Energy management
Like knowing when to take breaks from social media, you’ll need to manage your energy to maintain consistent performance at work.
Building your self-management skills
Good self-management isn’t about being perfect – it’s about knowing yourself and finding ways to get things done that work for you. If you’re doing any of the things mentioned above, you’re already developing this essential skill!
Want to level up your self-management even more? Try:
- Paying attention to when you’re most productive
- Experimenting with different ways to organise tasks
- Noticing what helps you bounce back from setbacks
- Learning from how others manage similar challenges
- Building regular reflection time into your routine
The best self-managers aren’t necessarily the most organised people – they’re the ones who understand their own patterns and create systems that work for their style. Sound like you? You’re already on your way to becoming a self-management pro!
Tip: next time someone comments on your “messy” desk or “weird” study habits, remind them that if your system works for you and helps you achieve your goals, that’s what matters. The most effective self-management strategy is the one you’ll actually stick with.
Find out more
We have heaps of other blogs on building important skills – check them out on our website here.