Time is the great equalizer.
Everyone else on this planet has 24 hours.
You are part of everyone.
24 hours to spend however you want.
To do whatever you want.
But how many times have you said or thought, “I wish I had more time” or “there’s not enough hours in the day?”
You don’t need more time…you need to know how to be productive in your time.
Here are four ideas for you to consider:
Do the ODAE Exercise
Pick two regular days and write down everything you do for your business.
Don’t judge or edit, just write.
On the third day, put your list away.
On day four, schedule an hour on your calendar, go someplace as distraction-free as possible and review your list.
Whatever you determine can be outsourced, put an O next to it. Do the same for anything that can be delegated (D), automated (A) and, my personal favorite, eliminated (E).
Then actually outsource, delegate, automate and eliminate.
This will remove many things from your plate…giving you time to do what you should be doing.
Prioritize!
When you plan your time, plan accordingly.
What needs to be done?
Don’t try to force 10 pounds of potatoes in a 5 pound bag.
If you need 90 minutes to do a task/project, allocate 90 minutes. Or even better, 120 minutes (it’ll probably take you longer than you expected because you’ll be distracted most likely).
Don’t Push a Rope
Take a micro break whenever you feel as if your efficiency is suffering.
A micro break last 2-5 minutes and is away from your work area. I highly recommend you go outside…yes, in the heat or the cold and yes, even if you work/live in a high rise.
Once outside, mute your phone and avoid talking to anyone.
Instead, close your eyes and take several deep breaths and just be.
Don’t think about anything or anyone. Just allow your brain to take a breath.
Micro breaks will give you an all natural energy (and productivity!) boost. Take as many of them as you need to.
Don’t rush
It seems as if everyone is in a hurry these days. But how efficient are you, how is the quality of your work when you rush? I’m guessing not very good.
Slow. Down.
This should sound familiar (because I already mentioned it in this article): plan accordingly.
If you have a project that you know will take you several weeks and you have a deadline in 30 days, don’t start on it the week of the deadline.
It’s been said (and it’s very true) that common sense isn’t always common practice.
If you’re reading this or any article on Thrive Global, you’re not stupid. Rather, you’re smart because you’ve made personal development a priority. So, you know this. But…are you doing it?