How to regain your time and get more done
Are you just tired of having numerous unaccomplished task day in and day out? Maybe you have lost your time and want to regain it? Time is usually said to be precious and when lost, it could not be gain again. One way to get more done is to get more time for any task. But unfortunately we have only 24 hours in a whole day and this remains static.
To gain back time, one will have to do more and adopt certain characters of those who have properly manage your time. One thing that poses a threat to many people on the concept of regaining lost time is- self-discipline and not time management. The whole concept of time management is simple, but indiscipline and inability to adhere to schedule poses a problem.
But here are 11 easy ways to accomplish more and regain your time
- Keep multilevel to-do lists
I’m a huge believer in to-do lists. However, a long, cluttered one of everything you want to accomplish will only make you feel bogged down.
To keep things organized, group your to-do lists into categories. For example, I have a work to-do list divided into:
- Projects that need completion
- Business meetings and emails
- Accounting tasks
I also have a separate personal to-do list organized by chores, errands and appointments.
- Prioritize
If your to-do list is three pages long, you’re probably creating too many tasks.
I struggle with this myself. I’ll write down everything from an important meeting to laundry. Then, when I can’t get to all of it, I feel frustrated.
To combat this, I write down everything I think I should do in a week, and then I go back and cross out what really doesn’t matter. Do I need to write down laundry? Probably not. I’ll just do it when I run out of clean underwear anyway.
After that process, my list is focused and I get a little mental boost from already having tasks checked off.
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- Use a timer
Most people are guilty of distracting themselves and procrastinating. It’s easy to lose yourself digging into The Atlantic’s archives or trying for the 300th time to beat a level in Candy Crush Saga.
To cut down on distractions, I use an online timer. For 60 minutes, I can’t do anything but work on the task at hand. After the timer goes off, I give myself leeway and try the game’s level for the 301st time.
- Own your email
You are going to feel overwhelmed if your email box is bursting at the seams, you can’t remember what needs an answer, or you can’t find something important.
Instead, resolve to empty your inbox every day before you head home. Set a time to check your email, and act on it as soon as you open it. Answer it and delete it, or put it on your to-do list for later and file it away.
- Delegate
Doing tasks yourself can save money. However, always remember that time — not money — is the most valuable resource you have.
Rather than spending all weekend learning how to repair a leak in your air conditioner unit or mowing your lawn, delegate such tasks to someone else. Save your time for stuff you enjoy.
- Eat your frogs
This saying has often been attributed to Mark Twain:
If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.
Most of us avoid the things we don’t want to do and keep putting them off, which causes more stress.
Instead, learn to tackle your least favorite task first thing in the morning. Once it’s out of the way, the dread won’t slow you down anymore and you’ll get more accomplished.
Read also: Business Ideas: Top ways to make money by working less
- Make a playlist
Music can work wonders for your productivity. I’ve found that if I listen to music that makes me happy at work, I’m better at my job. If I listen to music that makes me feel calm, I have an easier time doing chores at home.
Find your tunes, make a playlist, and let the music help you get through the day.
8. Purge your ‘time-sucks’
Take a hard look at your obligations and ask yourself, “Am I doing this because I want to or because I feel like I should?” If you’re doing something because you feel obligated or haven’t gotten around to quitting, give it up.
9. Sleep
Make sure you get a good night’s rest. Don’t sacrifice sleep just to get more done. After a while, you’ll burn out and actually get less done.
10. Track your time
One of the best things I’ve done for myself is tracking my time. For a week, I wrote down everything I did and how long I spent doing it.
After the week was up, I looked at the results and could clearly see that I was spending too much time on a variety of tasks.
Read also: Money Saving tips: 25 ways to save money every month
11. Unplug
You will work better and get more done if you give yourself time to unplug and unwind. At least once a day, shut off your email, stop checking social networks, and do something you love.
Whenever you have vacation time, take it, even if you just stay home. Giving yourself time to recharge will pay off.
Do you have tips for being more productive? Share them by commenting below
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