Who needs more time?


Ambrose Bierce defined a day as “a period of 24 hours, mostly misspent.” Who among us doesn’t hope we could spend our time better, accomplish more and with less stress? Do you find yourself always running out of time and never able to get everything done? Wondering WHEN are you going to be able to get THAT done? We all have such busy schedules, we often think that if we could just find a few more minutes each day, imagine how much more we could achieve without being so frazzled at the end.

Here are seven ways to help you save several minutes per day, minutes which can total hours in a week. Try these for just two weeks, and you will be amazed how much time you have saved and how much better you feel about taking control of your life.

1. Make a to-do list. Keep the list handy so you can quickly jot on the list everything that needs to be done as it comes to mind. This will keep you from forgetting tasks and deadlines, and it’s the first step in creating a game plan to accomplish all items that need to be done.

2. Create standard lists. Create lists for all the things you find yourself rewriting regularly, such as weekly and monthly business tasks, grocery lists, instructions for the babysitter or pet sitter and travel lists for quick trips or longer vacations. You don't need to completely recreate them each time, and you won’t forget needed items.

3. Plan your meals. Planning meals is essential for wise budgeting and shopping. You won’t be as tempted to buy items not on your list or forget ingredients required in a recipe. It’s reassuring to know what you are having for your next meal, rather than frantically surveying what you can throw together that you can call “dinner.”

4. Group like tasks. Schedule a time to make or return phone calls, arrange appointments, etc. Plan to run all errands while you are out. Map your trips and appointments strategically so you are not running back and forth across town. This will not only save you time, but also money spent on gas.

5. Delegate jobs. Give your children chores at home. Even very young children need to know they have an appropriate role in home responsibilities. This can help teach the importance of taking care of and putting away belongings such as toys, books and clothing. You can make it fun while teaching them to help you sort laundry, load the dryer and stow Legos, books and magazines.

6. Watch recorded TV. If you are not one who can pass up TV, you should DVR or TiVo your favorite shows and watch them after they've aired. The average hour of network television bears only contains 44 minutes of programming, allowing you to save more than 25 percent of your normal viewing time by fast-forwarding through commercials. You'll be able to catch all of your favorite shows faster – and with less guilt!

7. Pack a project. Do you find yourself with frequent down time, such as sitting in the doctor's office or salon, waiting for a friend or client to meet you or sitting in the car to pick up a child or spouse? Always keep projects in your bag so that when you find yourself with precious minutes, you can work on one of your projects. Update your to-do list or planner, write letters and cards or catch up on articles that you’ve clipped for just such occasions. You’ll no longer feel that wait time is wasted time: it’s productive time!

I hope this helps you reserve a few extra minutes for YOU. Relax, read a book, take a bath, meditate or do whatever helps you unwind and recharge your batteries. Don't feel guilty about taking care of yourself: we all need ME time!