Time is the most valuable thing a person can spend. So how can we maximize this precious resource? Whether you’re a working professional, stay-at-home parent, retired, or in between jobs, this applies to you. Time waits for no one, and lost time is never found again. If you find yourself wishing you got more done with the time you have and if you hate wasting time, check out my tips below!
Tip 1: Complete the most important tasks first. I know it’s tempting to start your day with a “win,” and check off the simplest tasks first. But you should actually tackle your most tedious task first. Why? Because your #cognitive resources are running on full earlier in the day (yes, this even applies to night owls) and as the day goes on, decision fatigue sets in and makes you less efficient.
Tip 2: Quit Multitasking. Did you know that humans can’t physically multitask? What you think is multitasking is actually switching between tasks as quickly as possible, which (you guessed it) leads you to decision #fatigue faster! So, pick one thing, stick to it until it’s finished, or at least make a dent in a big project before you take a break and move on to a different task.
Tip 3: Make Use of Idle Time. There are times when you arrive at your appointment early, or you find yourself with 10 minutes before your next meeting. Make use of this open space! Create a list of things you can complete in less than 5 minutes and keep it handy. Whenever you find yourself with some extra time, check 1-2 items off this list.
Tip 4: Learn to say no. Yes, I know it’s hard to say no. But really dig deep and ask yourself “is this truly important to me?” before you commit. Don’t just say yes because it’s the nice thing to do or because it sounds good. If it’s not crucial, learn to decline politely, and move on.
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