My biggest pet peeve is someone tells me “Sorry, I don’t have time.” We all have the same 24 hours in each day. Is my time less important than yours? In actuality, I have just learned how to effectively manage my time based on my priorities.
My biggest pet peeve is someone tells me “Sorry, I don’t have time.” We all have the same 24 hours in each day. Is my time less important than yours? In actuality, I have just learned how to effectively manage my time based on my priorities. So, instead of saying you don’t have time, what you’re saying to me is that whatever you’re putting off is not a priority. We all make time for the things we want to do. Unfortunately, some people can’t optimize their time as well as others. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the most out of your days: 1. Start the day right – and early This is my favorite tip. There is something calming about getting a head start on the day while the rest of the world is still sleeping. This is the time where you can evaluate the day ahead of you, work out or catch up on things that you might forget once the phones and emails begin buzzing. I find you are most effective and creative in the wee hours of the morning, so create your schedule then (if not the night before) or work on your biggest priorities before the distractions set in. 2. Pencil downtime into your day You should never wait for the weekends and/or vacations to recharge. Research shows that taking naps or breaks throughout the day will actually make you more productive with your day. It is important to plan out when you will take those breaks to ensure you will actually take them. Disconnect, go to a coffee shop or a park and do something that will give your ever-churning mind a break. 3. Minimize empty distractions When I express taking a time out of your day for yourself, I do not mean social media. You should disconnect from all electronic devices and give your eyes a break. Living in an information age, we are constantly being bombarded with information, which can lend itself to unnecessary stress. The information overload that comes with emails and social media are empty distractions. Much like empty calories in junk food, this information is capturing our attention, but at what cost? They are taking up your time, but are they offering anything for you? What purpose does your old high school friend’s new profile picture serve? When I refer to unwinding, try grabbing a book (yes, an actual book) or getting coffee with your friend rather than surfing mindless information on your phone or tablet. 4. Learn to say no This is something that can be very hard for people who want to do it all, much like myself. However, once you learn to say no you will stop putting yourself in situations that are wasting your precious time. Not only does you run yourself thin, but you might begin to resent the people who brought you there. Say no to things that don’t serve your values or interests. Otherwise, you might be causing yourself more stress than reward. If you can’t say no, use your schedule to find a time where you can say yes and actually commit to it. 5. Reset and restore Tomorrow is another day filled with opportunity and possibility. It’s a fresh start. Try taking 10 minutes each evening to clear the clutter out of your house, car, email or phone to feel more refreshed for the upcoming day. Think about what you want to accomplish tomorrow and either set your schedule or make a list. You will thank yourself when you start your early morning. While these tips won’t suddenly create more hours in the day, they will allow you to properly fill the day with the tasks and events that serve you and move you forward. Prioritizing your time is the most effective way to make the most of it. After all, you won’t get those hours back. To start a whole new daily routine, call (800) 561-0194 and learn how All Systems Grow can help you find the time you feel like you don’t have.
