“You can always make more money, but you can never make more time”
What’s our most precious asset? Money is high up there on the list for many of us, but it’s probably (hopefully) not at the top. I suspect that family and health are pretty high up there. They’re all interrelated in my opinion, as I have postulated before. Faith is paramount for many as well.
What about time?
Clearly, our time is not limitless. There’s nothing infinite about our free time, much less our overall time available. Consider the following simple calculation:
365 days in a year X 80 year lifespan = 29,200 days in a lifetime
29,200 days in a lifetime. When you see that number, what do you think? Personally, my first reaction is “That’s not really too many days!”. Then, my follow up thought is “I need to make the most out of the days I’m blessed to have.” In order to make the most of these days, it’s important to learn ways to be more productive.
Here’s a list of 10 tips that can help do just that:
- Wake up early – Getting up and getting a head start on the day, before work hours (or before the kids get up), can be a great way to get more done. You can accomplish tasks uninterrupted, and can get through the rest of your day knowing that you got a few things done already.
- Do the Most Important Things First – Often times, the things that are most important can be challenging, complex, or just time consuming. Rather than finding excuses for putting them off, just tackle them first. It will feel good to know that you have made progress. Besides, isn’t it logical to first focus on what’s most important?
- Follow the 80/20 Rule – What is the 80/20 rule? Basically, it refers to the notion that the majority of our positive results comes from a smaller percentage of our effort. One example of this is obsessive coupon cutting. Let’s say one spends 4 hours cutting coupons, of which only some end up being used, and only $10 saved. But that same person might be able to work an hour and make $10, freeing up the other 3 hours for other pursuits.
- Learn to Say No – This one has been a learning experience for me. I’m conditioned, like many others, to try to help when asked. Many of us have this interest in pleasing others, whether we are conscious of it or not. I advocate selflessness and generosity, but also think that we can’t be everything to everyone. Sometimes you just have to prioritize, and learn to say No when asked for your time.
- Create a Not To-Do List – We all, or at least most of us, employ to-do lists in our lives at some point. I try to incorporate one daily. However, it’s also important to learn what not to do. Maybe it’s watching way too much TV and letting time slip away. Or, maybe it’s making 4 grocery stops per week, when you can just be organized and make one. Whatever the case, it’s important to learn what habits of ours are counterproductive, so we can minimize their impact.
- Visualize Success – If we take a moment to think about how we might feel once we accomplish a task or goal, it can be energizing. Sometimes, it just takes a little perspective to get us on track.
- Focus – Multi-tasking is easier for some than others. I’m ok at times, but there are many that are way better than me. Which is fine. So, for folks like me, it’s best to just focus on the task at hand and do it right. It will likely get done better, and will require less time to go back and fix. Zeroing in on one task can allow us to complete it quicker, and often better than if we’re distracted.
- Chip Away at Long-Term Projects – If you have 20 days to complete a big project that will require 20 hours of time, don’t wait until the final 3 days to get it done. Work on it in batches over time, if possible. If you worked 1 hour a day, it will get done more efficiently and with less stress. In other words, get organized and don’t procrastinate!
- Carry a Note Pad for Ideas– For me, this consists of not only a notepad, but also my smartphone. Whatever the method, we often get good ideas that come into our mind at different times. They can slip away if not captured. For efficiency, jot them down.
- Set Aside “You” Time – It’s important to recharge, and get our minds off daily responsibilities. Find time to decompress. You’ll be recharged and more productive later.
To my way of thinking, if time is precious, let’s minimize the amount of it we use for things that just have to get done, but aren’t value added or truly enjoyable. Productivity techniques such as these can ultimately help us spend more time with family and friends, and improve our health by being less stressed.
And yes, they may also help us make more money too!
What about you? Do you have any methods for being more productive and getting things done, which you can recommend to everyone?
That’s a good list. For long term projects, I have for some years done a mix of items 6, 8 and 9. Visualize all the steps necessary for the project, write them down on your pad or notebook, and set aside small chunks of time (10 minutes, or 30, or an hour) on a to-do list to cross off when done. Crossing the step off the list gives a good sense of accomplishment.
Andrew – good suggestions, sounds like it’s worked for you if you’ve been doing it for years. It’s good to approach long-term projects in a strategic way.
I do #1 to accomplish #10.
My parents always taught me to do the thing on my list that I really didn’t want to do. The theory was I would spend way too much energy procrastinating about it then the time it took to do the task.
Molly – great way to put it, I like that perspective on working toward #10. I think it makes sense to get the most unpleasant task out of the way early, as it’s one that weighs on your mind. It’s kind of like debt – enjoy now, pay the price later. Good to get rid of the pain early on, so you’re “home free” (or something similar to that feeling) later.
I’d also lay out a detailed long term schedule and stick to the plan man! Refer to it frequently and make sure you’re getting stuff accomplished on schedule.
CNC – yes, having a long-term plan is key as well. I’m getting in the practice now of having long-term plans for certain things, writing down goals. When these are figured out, the steps along the way can be determined as well as the short-term tasks and activities. I figure as long as we don’t get bogged down in planning, and spend significant time doing, it’s all good.
I have mixed feelings on #2, especially when you are in a funk. Sometimes, I go with the easiest thing on my list, just to get the momentum going. Sometimes, I have to tell myself that if I only get one thing completed today, it’s better than doing zero.
Good List. I love the ‘not to do list”
First Gen – I can see that viewpoint. It’s almost like “baby steps” in starting the day:) Once something gets done, momentum can be built. Interesting take, and see where you’re going with it….
I have been getting up earlier, having a cup of coffee, and trying to blog. (This coffee thing is new to me. I am going in the opposite direction of you Squirrel, who gave up caffeine. Are you still off caffeine by the way?) I love the early morning, I can get so much done, and it is just peaceful.
I try to also think about how quickly certain tasks take and do them when the opportunity arises. Say I need to call my insurance company, I will unload the dishwasher when talking to them. I look at what I have to for that day, and try to think of how I can multitask as much as possible.
Everyday Tips –
I knew that someone would ask me about my giving up caffeine sooner or later:) Well, it lasted almost 3 months. Unfortunately, I’m back to drinking caffeine again.
It started with me getting what I thought was a caffeine-free drink – Coke Zero (I guess I thought “Zero” meant no caffeine or calories). I had given up carbonated beverages, but thought I could just have one because it sounded good. Then, a few days later, I had another. Soon, I was having one daily. Then someone told me that they’re not caffeine free. I checked the label, and it’s true – it has caffeine. Funny, I did notice that I felt really energetic after that first one:)
So, I had the best of intentions, but one mistake got me back to drinking caffeine.
However, I now know that can totally get off caffeine for an extended period of time if I put my mind to it. I plan to do just that, and stick to it, with the exception of some occasional tea.
Great article!
Create a Not To-Do List – is a pretty original idea, I like it 🙂
Money Reasons – Thanks! Yes, the Not To-Do List is something that’s a bit different. We know what doesn’t work, through experience, so let’s not do those things:)
“Not to do” : I like it. I love this one; When you say yes to something you are saying no to something else. And when you say “no” , you are saying “yes” to something else!
I am such a procrastinator…I really have to work on that. I’m also trying to prioritize the list of my things to do so I don’t waste time on the silly stuff (like checking my bloggind stats for no real reason). 🙂
I would put “Get enough sleep” before “Get up early” on your list. Study after study shows adults rarely get enough sleep, and even moderate sleep deprivation can lead to poor productivity and errors. The same sleep studies typically recommned at least 7 hours of sleep on a consistant basis (because sometimes it just won’t be possible). Having trouble finding the extra hours? I’d refer the readers to your “Not-to-do” list, for a way to capture some time. Sleep long, wake refreshed and be productive.
It feels like I can only do side-work at night. Mornings are not an option at all!
But I do 100% agree that time is the most precious asset!
I agree with First Gen. I’ll often get a whole lot of little things off of my desk first, then feel accomplished enough to move on to the harder, longer tasks.
I also try to take advantage of my high energy times, and put “me times” before tasks like cleaning the house.
I agree completely with the getting up early. I only WISH I could make myself do the most important things first.
I really like this article. I really struggle being productive by times and even though I already know about the 80/20 rule and that I should just tackle hard tasks instead of procrastinating and obsessing over them … it can be so hard to do! Thanks for the motivation.
SavingMentor – glad you liked the article. I can relate to your struggle, by the way:)