If you’ve been hanging around here for awhile, you might have noticed that I’m definitely not a fan of the culture of busy that’s happening at the moment. We rush around filling every moment of our day while we complain about how busy we are (but not doing anything to change what we supposedly hate — because then what would we whinge about!?)
I do recognise though that there are times when this busy-ness truly is necessary as we make our way through a seemingly endless list of things we have to do and those we want to do. With everything to keep on top of, how do you make sure you get to the important stuff?
What IS important?
The first thing is to identify what’s important. Remember this is for you, so it doesn’t matter what your partner/mum/friend thinks is most important. Sure, their input is useful but at the end of the day it’s up to you to identify it.
Generally, I break mine into have-to’s and want-to’s. So, I have to finish my Cert IV by October, even though I’m up to the super-boring finance section. And I want to create content for my blog. This is important because if I’m not clear on my have-to’s I’ll spend all my time doing the stuff I want to do and what has to get done just won’t.
Second, figure out how much time you need. You need to be realistic, but not overly generous — things often take longer than you expect them to, but if you allow too much time for a task you’re going to find ways to fill (read: waste) the extra time.
Once you’ve made your list, you need to find time for your tasks. This is the tricky part, and the reason why things never get done — fit more stuff in my day? Too hard basket, stat.
Fitting it in
Make time
The most straightforward way to get extra time in your day is to get out of bed earlier. If you’re up 30 minutes earlier than usual, you have 30 extra minutes in your day (thank you, Captain Obvious). Notice I didn’t say it was easy though. Getting adequate sleep is important for a productive day, so if getting up earlier means you’re just not getting enough rest it might not be beneficial overall. But if you’re clocking up 9 hours each night, you can probably handle shaving off half an hour to do something else.
Schedule it
The next option is to add what’s important to your schedule. Smaggle wrote an interesting post about splitting up your day to increase productivity. Use those 17 minutes for some of your want-to tasks (provided they fit the suggested criteria), with the added benefit of breaking up your day and improving output. This method will work well if you want more exercise (7 minute workout, anyone?), reading, writing, or fast housework breaks.
Once it’s in your schedule you have to be strict about it, especially if you’ve put it into what used to be leisure time. For example, you might commit to 30 minutes of study after dinner. Except you drag your feet, take your time washing up, just want to finish watching The Block first, spend some time chatting to your housemate…and suddenly it’s bed time. Oops.
Lock it in and stick to it, no distractions, no excuses!
Look at the whole picture
If you feel as though you genuinely can’t find the time, you have three options.
First, move it down your priority list. If you can’t find the time maybe it’s not that important for right now. This doesn’t mean it’s gone forever. You can come back to it next month or in 6 months and see if it will fit in then.
Second, track your time to see if it can be squeezed in. If you’re really honest you’ll probably find there are instances where you could be better using your time. How long do you spend scrolling through Facebook and Instagram each day? Now I’ll always argue that these can legitimately count as breaks because they distract you and let you kind of space out. But checking Facebook 6 times a day? Probably not necessary. Are you stuck in hour-long meetings that really only need 40 minutes to get through the agenda? See if you can gently guide your manager to tighten these up and you’ve got an extra 20 minutes.
Third, critically examine what’s (legitimately) taking up time in your schedule and see where adjustments can be made. This is similar to the first point, but looks at things that you didn’t choose for your schedule, like family obligations, time required for work tasks, or housework. Then:
- ask for help: if you’re responsible for taking your uncle to medical appointments, ask if another family member can share this with you.
- outsource: this is a great one for those tasks that are repetitive and time consuming. Hire a virtual assistant, pay a cleaner, or even take on a personal chef! Yes, these things cost money, but weigh it up against the cost benefit of extra time — if you pay an assistant $50 for an hour that allows you to earn $80 doing something else, you’re better off.
- eliminate: this comes back to weighing up your priorities and allocating time accordingly. If it’s not your choice, such as work tasks, have a conversation with your manager about how you can better use your time if certain tasks were reallocated. Show them the benefit and they will often get on board.
Ultimately, finding time for what’s most important to you requires honesty: you need to be honest with yourself about what truly is important, about how you’re spending your time, and about how much of your time you’re letting other people use up.
I have to say T I live by these categories now days more so than before kids! Great read! I find really thinking about what’s ‘Really Important’ & needs to be done first or be at the top of the list helps elevate that overwhelming feel you can get at times when you feel like theres a s#$ t load to do. But most of all being realistic (or honest) with yourself in what you can & can’t achieve I think is most beneficial in gaining more time. I also don’t mind having those cbf days as well….we’re allowed hehehe
Those days are just as important! 🙂 x