There are no surprises here – time is a fixed entity. So what you’ve got is what you’ve got. The good news is that you have plenty of power over how you conceive it and then parcel it out. Here are my 12 top tips to get the most of your time:
1. Use the 4 D’s:
- Do it now – it is important and it must be done by you.
- Defer it – you need to do it but it can wait. Schedule it for later.
- Delegate it – it is important, but someone else can do it. Give yourself permission to use this one!
- Dump it – it actually doesn’t need to be done…
2. Don’t diss the to-do list. The simple act of writing it down helps you process what is important and what’s unnecessary. Things are less likely to slip through the cracks this way. Rather than holding them in your head (or letting them swirl around!) writing down what needs doing frees up mental energy to actually get things done.
3. Write down your personal goals. This clarifies what’s most important to you and helps you decide how to spend your energy.
4. Prioritise. Evaluate the items on your list according to their urgency and importance.
5. Manage distractions. Focus on the task at hand. If something important comes to mind, write it down.
6. Plan your time. If need be, make an appointment with yourself. Do nothing but that particular task for the allotted time.
7. Make peace with imperfection. Identify what needs to be done to the best of your ability and other bits that you can get away with. Acknowledge that you don’t have to do everything to the best of your ability. Ask yourself, is it more important to get this one thing done perfectly, or is it better to be on top of all your tasks to a slightly lower standard.
8. Double up. Be on the lookout for multiple purposes to using your time. It makes sense to take one journey rather than three. Cook a large batch of dinner and freeze a portion for next time. Listen to an audiobook during your bus journey to work. Be aware that multitasking is not always efficient so know when it’s time to focus on just one thing.
9. Quit procrasting. Understand what is wasting time and what isn’t. Really get to know what your procrastination looks like. My favourite tip here, care of Gretchen Rubin: if you want to get yourself to do something, make the alternative to that task to do nothing. Try it and see how it works for you.
10. Avoid taking on too much. Have an awareness of what is already on your calendar or to-do list. There is only so much time available so manage your commitments to avoid stress and overwhelm. Where appropriate, remember you can say ‘no’.
11. Beware of becoming addicted to ‘busyness’. Doing more doesn’t always mean you are being productive or effective. We can be fooled by the illusion of activity and really we are not tackling what needs our attention. Be honest with yourself.
12. Know when it is time to take a break. It can be tempting to plough on, thinking there is no time to rest. Remind yourself that taking a moment to replenish can enhance your productivity and effectiveness.
Get in touch if you’re finding it hard to squeeze everything into your week, especially if it is YOU that keeps on missing out. Sometimes we need to brainstorm with a partner how best to navigate between all the different demands of life. I’m here to help you carve that path.
Love to all,
Suz xx
Reference:
For more of Gretchen Rubin’s wisdom check out her website: http://www.happiness-project.com/
Suzy is available for counselling, coaching and private yoga sessions at her consulting room in Cammeray, Sydney, home visits, coaching via phone or skype, and ‘walk & talk’ sessions by appointment.
Contact Suzy at: suzy@suzyreading.co.uk
Follow Suzy at: www.facebook.com/SuzyReadingPsychologyAndYoga
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