Are You Using Your Time Effectively?
Happy Wednesday!
I have to admit, I have been asking myself this question a lot lately. I don’t know if it is because work is crazy or because life is just different these days but either way, I am finding myself questioning how to use my time.
It is also hard because it is not just limited to work! While that is the main part of my day and where I notice it the most, I am noticing more and more that when I get home that time just disappears. In fact, just last night I came home and had dinner and then planned on jumping into blogging or back cracking open a new book. Instead, I found myself zoning out to the Bachelor and mindlessly scrolling through Instagram. While I do know that sometimes your brain needs that mental break, that has honestly become the norm most nights and I dislike it immensely.
Work is whole other story. I go into each day with a plan for that to be the day where I finally get some things checked off my list and instead find my time disappearing before my eyes and before I know it the clock is striking 5:00 and I am standing there looking at a list that has maybe one or two things checked off. I am trying really hard to give myself some grace and not beat myself up for feeling like I “failed” the day, it is hard because I really strive for something close to perfection. One thing I do remind myself daily when I feel I am going to spiral is that I have the same 24 hours that Rachel Hollis has and that If I just take a deep breath, I can definitely get back on track. So, how do we fix this? How do we effectively use the time and get things done? I have some tips!
- Finesse your to-do list. By that I mean that you should have a Top 3 or Top 5 priorities that needs to be be completed that day and allow the rest of the day to flow as necessary. This can definitely be adapted because I know that not everyone’s day works like mine nor is it structured the same. Bottom line, having priorities can help keep you on track because it makes getting it done non-negotiable.
- Time Blocking. In my previous life, I was able to utilize this method to achieve goals and complete tasks. In the reading I have done regarding time blocking, I know that it is not for everyone. For me, this is a great way to stay on track and navigate through my day. For others, I have found that it is a great way to feel overwhelmed and stressed. This suggestion is definitely one that you should use only if it works for you.
- Do one thing at a time. This morning, I was slicing potatoes, cutting carrots and prepping the meat for pot roast. While doing that, I was trying to get ready for work and making lunch. At one point during the morning I wondered why this process felt like it was taking so long and how come it felt like I could get nothing done. It suddenly donned on me that I was doing too many things at one and if I just focused on them one at a time, they’d get done a lot faster.
- Avoid the perfection trap. You know the one…. it’s that trap that leaves you feeling defeated at the end of the day because the other man/woman on social media can do it all while you are riding the struggle bus! I’ve been there, I know exactly how you feel. I will be the first to tell you that I might post some pretty pictures on Instagram but in real life, I am usually wearing sweatpants and enjoy carbs a lot! All of us are human and there are limitations to what we can do. You are doing your best so you should end the day feeling accomplished and proud. A definite reminder I need to give myself sometimes!
- Delegate! Again, this one is adaptable because I know this may not be an option for some of you. For me, it is an option for me but I often do not utilize it. I have wonderful teammates at work who are always reading and willing to help BUT the control freak, type-a personality I have makes me resist and leaves me feeling like I need to do it all. However, I will tell you that I can’t do it all and therefore have to remind myself often that I have resources I need to utilize.
If you do find yourself struggling, I hope that these tips help. I am definitely going to try much harder to practice them in my work and home life.
I would love to hear your suggestions on how to better utilize time so please feel free to comment your best tips!
I hope you all have a wonderful and fantastic day!
