We wake up early. We hurry through the day, seldom noticing the
rising and setting of the sun. Before we know it, we’re up far too late,
and we still have more to do. Our world moves quickly. It can be a
challenge to keep up with our lives, much less to enjoy them.
Most days, we find ourselves long on to-do lists and short on time. Meanwhile, our lives are slipping away from us. As
Dr. Seuss famously asked, “How did it get so late so soon?”
Thankfully, there are a few clever ways to invest our time that will pay back in much larger quantities.
Take 15 minutes to learn one of the techniques below, and enjoy the hours of time it will save you in the future.
1. Look into Improving Your Average.
Most of us concentrate on improving our peak performance – our
fastest running time, greatest number of website hits, or highest video
game score. According to Dr. Stan Beecham, we would be wise to shift our
focus. Instead, look to ways of improving your average,
everyday performance. This change of mindset will help you to make
progress much more quickly and effectively. Learn more about how to
achieve this mental realignment
here.
2. Learn to Use “Time Blocks.”
Minimize distraction by committing to
single-tasking
important projects. For example, you may block off one hour to write an
essay for school, a half hour in which to address a family problem, and
another two hour block in which to watch your child’s soccer game. This
allows you to stay
mindful with
your present task. You will be able to write your essay much more
effectively when you are not stopping to brainstorm solutions to other
issues in your life.
3. Employ this Speed-Reading Trick.
Many of us already use Audiobooks to increase our reading time. They
allow us to listen to books in places that don’t usually lend themselves
to reading, like during driving or cooking time. Did you know that you
can do this much more quickly? Many Audiobook apps have a feature that
allows the book to be read at triple speed. It will take your brain a
few minutes to adjust, but once it does you will be absorbing new
knowledge that much more quickly.
4. The Pomodoro Technique
promises to increase productivity, decrease burnout, and ease
work-life balance. It is structured in a way that can improve time
management for any person, regardless of task or personality type. The
underlying philosophy is that we can harness the power of each minute by
working with the clock, rather than against it. This simple
system involves the prioritization of tasks, frequent breaks, and the
use of manageable 25-minute time blocks. Learn how to use this method by
clicking here.
5. Implement a Prioritization System.
Long to-do lists can become overwhelming. This is especially true
when everything feels important. For this reason, it can be beneficial
to categorize tasks even more specifically. Besides the simple measure
of importance, identify long-term versus short-term benefits and
relative urgency. You will have a better idea of where to start when you
can clearly see the tasks that need to be done now, as opposed to those
that can wait for later.
6. Learn to Meditate.
Meditation has proven benefits to the body, mind, and soul. In fact, recent research has demonstrated that meditation changes the
physical structure of the brain
in a way that preserves its longevity. Meditation does not just improve
our quality of life. It actually gives us back more lucid time in our
later years. Put together a personal practice that feels relaxing to you
and incorporates easily into your day. Your mind, body, and spirit will
thank you.
7. Implement a Personal Planning System.
Sometimes, saving hours from our week is a simple matter of
organization. Most of us recognize the value of a good planner or
calendar. However, few people use these tools in a way that works for
them personally. Don’t buy into somebody else’s organizational system.
Instead, find one that feels organic to you. Plan out your day, week,
and month in a way that feels natural, and commit to updating your plan
as you go. Ensure that your schedule reflects not only your
responsibilities, but also your personal priorities. For example,
exercise and family time should be represented just like work meetings
and dental appointments. Commit five minutes each day to this until it
becomes a habit.
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