Be careful with what you say yes to so that you can keep some open space on your calendar. On Friday afternoon, look at what is on the calendar for the following week and if something can be avoided or shortened, then consider adjusting, delegating, outsourcing or canceling based on the week’s priorities. Remember that open space invites opportunities in a way that a cluttered cannot.
More tips on time management
#5 – Build in Space
Be careful with what you say yes to so that you can keep some open space on your calendar. On Friday afternoon, look at what is on the calendar for the following week and if something can be avoided or shortened, then consider adjusting, delegating, outsourcing or canceling based on the week’s priorities. Remember that open space invites opportunities in a way that a cluttered cannot.
#6 – Take care of yourself
Statistics would suggest that most successful people get the recommended daily amount of sleep and exercise routinely. And you wonder how they find the time? Remember that being busy (and productive) takes energy. So, it makes sense that sleep and exercise make time rather than take time. Proactively build things in that will give you energy such as going for a walk or meeting with a friend, whether it’s during the day or on weekends. And rather than falling into the horrendously busy and exhausting weekend trap, proactively ask yourself mid-week what three things you want to do over the weekend that will add to your energy level (e.g., attending church, playing sports, and leisurely time with family) and schedule those activities in accordingly.
#7 – Maximize your free time
What are most of us doing while standing in line at the grocery store or riding public transit? Checking our phones! Use these shorter chunks of time to do more productive things such as reading, making a business call, meditating, etc. Research suggests that people who feel that time is more abundant check their phones less than those who feel they never have enough time.