Time Management & Prioritisation · 05 of 10
Parkinson's Law
Source: C. Northcote Parkinson (essay in The Economist, 1955)
Work tends to expand to fill the time available for it. Setting tighter, deliberate time limits can make work more efficient.
When to use it
Use it when tasks routinely drag on longer than they need to.
How to apply it
- Pick a task that tends to take longer than it should.
- Estimate how long it genuinely needs, then set a shorter deadline.
- Block that time in your calendar with a clear end point.
- Stop when the time is up and review what you produced.
- Adjust future time limits based on the quality you achieved.
Tip: Use tight limits for routine work, not for tasks where quality or safety depends on care.