“I want to learn guitar but don’t have time. I want to exercise every day but don’t have time. I want to spend time with my friends, and family, and make memories, but there is no time.” If you find yourself saying these things, this blog is for you. In the next few minutes, we will share 10 practical tips to help you achieve more in your day, improve your relationship with time, and live a balanced life.
Tip #10: Stop Lying to Yourself
Many of us say we don’t have time for something, but the truth is, it’s not our priority. We often give excuses to others and ourselves, which leads to believing that we don’t have time. Start by being honest with yourself and recognizing that it’s about prioritization, not lack of time.
Tip #9: Where is the Extra Time?
Start seeing time mathematically, not emotionally. There are 24 hours in a day, which means 168 hours in a week. After accounting for sleep (56 hours) and work commitments (54 hours), you are left with 58 hours. Identify this downtime and use it wisely.
Tip #8: Concept of Downtime
Downtime refers to the time available after accounting for essential activities. It may not be 58 hours for everyone, but identify how much downtime you have and write it down.
Tip #7: Use of Paper
Keep a notebook or digital app handy to jot down ideas and thoughts. Our brain is excellent at creativity but poor at storage. By offloading thoughts onto paper, you free up mental space for creativity.
Tip #6: Use of Downtime
Even with 46 hours of downtime per week, you can achieve a lot. Just 45 minutes a day is enough for better health, 30 minutes to learn a new skill, and 10 minutes for meditation. Find your power hour, the time when you are most creative and energetic, and use it for important tasks.
Tip #5: Motivation Problem
Motivation is crucial for productivity. Make tasks enjoyable by gamifying them. Just like kids enjoy playing on a slide, make your tasks fun and engaging to stay motivated.
Tip #4: The Best Tool for Motivation
Boredom can be a powerful motivator. Use it as a tool to drive yourself to work on tasks, even those you don’t enjoy. Avoid distractions by creating a conducive work environment.
Tip #3: Boredom as a Tool
Remove distractions to use boredom effectively. Block distracting websites and use separate browsers for work and leisure. This method, known as going cold turkey, helps eliminate temptations.
Tip #2: Don’t Make To-Do Lists
Instead of relying on to-do lists, focus on your MIT (Most Important Task) for the day. Identify and complete this task first to ensure your time is well-utilized. Supplementary alternatives like audiobooks can also help manage time better.
Tip #1: You Can’t Save Time
Time is a non-renewable resource. You can’t save it, only utilize it better. Manage your time with these three questions:
- How much downtime do you have in a week?
- What is your MIT for the day?
- When is your power hour of the day?
Conclusion
Time management is a crucial skill often neglected. Each day is a new opportunity to improve. Take one step in the right direction every day and find your own path to a balanced, productive life.