Finding more time in your day often feels like a distant dream. It’s funny to me when people find motivation in knowing we have the same number of hours in a day as our idols, but what they fail to realize is that celebrities have money to not sweat the small stuff! Things like considering meal prepping or being responsible for their own time management.
Though small tasks may sound easy, they do account for time being spent on getting them done. Nevertheless, with some strategic adjustments, you can reclaim hours that might otherwise slip away. Sure, it may sound ridiculous to some but for me, and I’m sure plenty others, the time in the day just slips by. Here are five effective methods to get more time back in your day.
5 Ways to Get More Time Back in Your Day
#1 Prioritize and Plan
Effective time management starts with clear priorities. Begin by listing all your tasks and responsibilities. Break these into categories: urgent, important, and less critical. Sometimes doing this at the top of your week on Sunday can help get you the lay of the land in action items needing your attention.
Using tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to help you distinguish between what needs immediate attention and what can be deferred or delegated can cut your precious time in half. Check out 5 Task Management Tools I Can’t Live Without for CGS Founder Raya’s favorite productivity tools. In other cases, you can create a daily plan that outlines your most important tasks for the day. That can include any meetings or personal errands you might want to tackle in that window.
This planning should include specific time blocks dedicated to each task. Some tasks may take longer than others and that’s normal, you’re human! Therefore, incorporating short breaks to avoid burnout is healthy and honest. By focusing on high-priority activities and eliminating or delegating less critical ones, you ensure that your energy and time are spent more efficiently.
#2 Eliminate Distractions
Distractions are one of the biggest drains on productivity. With so much technology consumption, time can easily slip away leaving us feeling unproductive. Identifying and mitigating distractions, inclusive of technology and social media consumption, is crucial. Start by analyzing where your time is being lost. Common distractions include the obvious: social media, constant email checking, and unnecessary meetings.
Implement strategies such as turning off non-essential notifications, setting specific times to check emails, and using website blockers to limit access to distracting sites. Creating a dedicated workspace that minimizes interruptions and setting clear boundaries with colleagues or family members during work hours can also significantly reduce the time spent dealing with distractions.
#3 Adopt the Two-Minute Rule
Never heard of it?! That’s okay, the two-minute rule is a simple yet powerful concept. If a task can be completed in two minutes or less, do it immediately. This technique helps prevent small tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming. You will soon realize the procrastination in you will be no more.
Tasks such as responding to a quick email, making a brief phone call, or tidying up your workspace fall into this category. By handling these minor tasks right away, you prevent them from accumulating and consuming larger blocks of your time later. Before you know it, what looked like a laundry list of action items are just a few bullet points. This approach can make your workload feel more manageable and keep you focused on more significant tasks which is music to anyone’s ears.
#4 Automate and Delegate
Automation and delegation are key strategies for reclaiming time. And they can be applied in any aspect of your life. Simply take a moment and be mindful of any repetitive tasks in your personal and professional life that can be automated. This might include setting up automatic bill payments, using calendar scheduling tools, or employing software for routine data entry.
In addition to automation, you can loosen up the reins and delegate tasks that others can handle. Don’t be a micro manager! At work, this might involve assigning projects or responsibilities to team members. At home, it could include outsourcing chores or tasks such as cleaning, grocery shopping, or meal preparation. The key to reclaiming your time is being a team player and teamwork makes the dream work. By leveraging automation and delegation, you free up time to focus on higher-priority activities and strategic goals.
#5 Practice Time Blocking
Time blocking is a scheduling method that involves dividing your day into specific blocks of time, each dedicated to a particular activity or task. This technique has been found to be helpful in allowing you to stay organized and focused, ensuring that each aspect of your day receives the attention it needs.
Start by blocking out time for your most critical tasks, including work responsibilities, personal projects, and even leisure activities. Make sure to allocate time for breaks and buffer periods to handle unexpected tasks or interruptions. By following a structured schedule, you reduce the likelihood of multitasking, which often leads to inefficiency and stress.
Related: 7 Habits to Help Boost Your Productivity
By implementing these strategies—prioritizing and planning, eliminating distractions, applying the two-minute rule, automating, and delegating, and practicing time blocking, you can significantly increase the amount of time available to you each day. Each method contributes to a more organized, efficient approach to managing your responsibilities and personal time, ultimately helping you achieve a more balanced and productive life.
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-Taelor
The CGS Team
