Gain more time in a day? Sounds like an impossibility, right? Yes and no. There are definitely tricks and strategies to getting more out of each and every day. Here’s how:
#1 Organize! Time searching for things is wasted time. Utilize task lists, time tracking software and calendars, however only utilize them to the point theyíre saving you time by keeping you organized. If it takes you three hours to set up your day on a software program that’s 2 hours and 55 minutes wasted.
#2 Multi task when appropriate. Have phone calls to make and chores to do? Grab a headset, clip the phone at your waste and get busy. Clients and business prospects probably don’t want to hear dishes being loaded into your dishwasher but your sister probably won’t mind.
#3 Watch less TV. “American children and adolescents spend 22 to 28 hours per week viewing television, more than any other activity except sleeping. By the age of 70 they will have spent 7 to 10 years of their lives watching TV.” — The Kaiser Family Foundation. Imagine what you could do with those 22 hours! That’s another complete day.
#4 Spend less time aimlessly browsing the internet. Like television, the internet absorbs many hours. Set aside specific internet browsing time ñ if you need to shop online then shop online, if you need to read email set aside time each day to read email, if you need to learn or participate in social marketing set time aside to take care of it.
#5 Ask for help. Yes, partners, spouses and children can only do so much however they can help. Make Sunday afternoons make-ahead day and create and freeze five meals for the week. Have children help and make it a family activity. Now, rather than spending 30 minutes at the drive through or an hour making dinner, all you have to do is pull it out of the freezer and pop it in the oven. Voila! – time saved and healthy home made food on the table.
#6 Wake up 30 minutes earlier every day – or if you’re a night owl go to bed 30 minutes later. Use that extra 30 minutes to plan your day and get organized.
#7 Prioritize tasks and focus on them. Yes, earlier multi tasking was mentioned as a way to save time however many tasks are accomplished much more quickly and efficiently when you can focus on them independently. Walking the dog and calling your mother who you haven’t talked to in a month is certainly two tasks which can be combined however paying bills, writing that report, or reading an important document for your presentation tomorrow are best accomplished with focused attention.
#8 Simplify. Taking clothes to the dry cleaner saves time ironing. Running around your neighborhood saves time driving to the local gym. Instead of making pancakes or waffles every morning, make them for the week and pop them in the freezer or substitute cereal once in a while. Set your coffee pot to brew right when you wake up rather than waiting in line at your local coffee shop. Small steps to simplify your life not only save time – they are often less expensive. Go to the grocery store with recipes and a list – this will mean you don’t have to run to the grocery every day to pick up dinner and planning and shopping for meals often means healthier dinners and a less expensive grocery bill.
#9 Do fewer chores. Seriously. The house doesn’t need to be spotless. A good routine and some simple organization will reduce clutter. Set time aside, recruit help, and clean once a week. The day to day stuff can be minimized with organization. If possible – let it go and simply hire a maid.
#10 Create wind down time or personal time. Too much scheduling and work often results in procrastinating and a lack of interest in the task at hand. Don’t forget to have fun. Schedule days off or time off so you can relax and simply enjoy the things you like to do. It’ll make the time you need to spend working much more efficient.
Now you have all this extra free time, what are you going to do with it? The options are endless. Enjoy more time with your family, devote more time to your favorite hobby or pastime, or the inevitable – fill it up with more tasks.