5 Easy Ways to Find the Time to Do What You Love
Ever wish you had more time to do the things you want to do - spend more time with family, get to the gym, write the great American novel, or just get that elusive 8 hours of sleep you only dream of? Who couldn’t use an extra hour a day? Fortunately, it isn’t as hard as you might think to make a little extra time, but it won’t just happen without a plan. Give these 5 easy suggestions a try and you’ll be loving your life more before you know it.
1.) Be a quitter. If you do an Internet search of “things you should quit” you will see suggestions like “quit feeling guilty” or “quit complaining” or “quit procrastinating.” Although I couldn’t agree more that those things aren’t adding value to your life, quitting them may not save you much time. So what will? What are tangible, time-sucking things you do that don’t really add to your health or happiness? Perhaps you position all 10 pillows perfectly on your bed every morning or read your horoscope from 5 sources until you find one you like. Maybe you look at your phone for no actual reason or attend meetings that don’t pertain to you. Do you let yourself get pulled into conversations with whining time-leeches? Most of us were raised to not be quitters but the truth is some things just aren’t worth doing - so don’t.
2.) No snoozing. Here’s the thing with hitting the snooze button – you’re not really sleeping and you’re not up being productive. When that alarm goes off GET UP. If that truly seems like an impossible task, consider setting your alarm for 10? 15? 20? minutes later. That’s right, I said later. Getting enough quality sleep will pay off in productivity and alertness all day. If morning after morning is a struggle to get up on time you need better sleep practices but for now just remember; snoozing is losing. It’s the worst of both worlds.
3.) Choose a work uniform. Most of us have jobs that are pretty predictable in terms of what the most appropriate outfit is going to be from day to day, so why then do we wake up each morning and “decide” what to wear? Why do we waste time standing in front of the closet rifling through our choices - mixing and matching and hoping the outfit works? Now, I’m not advocating buying a new wardrobe but rather to make a conscience decision ahead of time that clarifies “this is what I wear to work.” To save time every morning, simplify the whole process. Designate a work wardrobe space in your closet. Remove what is unsuitable, ill-fitted, or out of season. Select a color & pattern palette that allows virtually every top to work well with every bottom. Choose comfortable, all-purpose shoes, jewelry, socks, and belts to pull it all together. Try your uniform out for one week, make tweaks as needed, and then stick to it until a change of season dictates a revamp. It doesn’t matter if you wear business suits or jeans as long as you take the time to decide, simplify, organize, and commit.
4.) Automate your life. The benefit (or harm) of technology always comes down to the way we use it. One of tech’s biggest benefits is that it allows us to automate menial tasks to free up time & energy for more meaningful, creative, and productive endeavors. There are numerous strategies that can really add up to saving time. Set the coffee maker to greet you in the morning to make it less likely that you’ll waste time grabbing a cup of coffee on the way to the office. Set your Alexa to wake you up and give you your morning news brief so that you are less tempted to look at your phone (which you know will suck you into the vortex of wasted time). Use automatic refill options for prescriptions so you never run out & don’t have to wait at the pharmacy. Have automatic bill pay to avoid check writing and mailing. Set up calendar reminders so you never waste time trying to find that little card they gave you at your last doctor’s appointment. When added together, small time-savers add up.
5.) Zig when others zag. When was the last time you found yourself in line doing nothing but waiting? When this happens ask yourself, “Self – could I be zigging while others are zagging?” For us city dwellers rush hour traffic is a big time waster (not to mention gas). Is there any way to leave earlier or later to avoid rush? Can you work from home? Maybe rush hour isn’t your nemesis . Do you find yourself waiting in line at the grocery store? Could you shop at a different time of day or day of the week or at a different store? Could you make plans to enjoy restaurants at off-peak times? Can you change your exercise routine to get your workout in during non-peak hours? Can you start your holiday shopping in September this year to avoid the crowds later? Avoiding busy times always saves time and usually frustration as well.
So what’s it going to be? Is today the day you start controlling the wasted minutes of your life to make time for joy and happiness? It’s up to you. Good luck, my friend!
Coordinator Provider Data/Academic Affairs at The MetroHealth System (Cleveland, OH)
5yGreat read, but I approach it from the opposite angle, even though it means the same thing. I don't see myself saving time, I see myself not wasting my time. Love the part on reading your horoscope 10 times until you find one you like, priceless.
Global Talent Acquisition Director at Foundever | Driving Innovative Talent Strategies
5yLove those time hacking tips. The most relatable must be the one about technologies because for a lot of us these have become distractions while they should merely considered as tools for achieving our goals. We should not let them own us.
Lecturer and Internship Coordinator - Department of Public Health at Purdue University
5yI am always impressed with Dr. Kalish's articles. They always combine specific actions with a bit of humor.
Intermediate School Teacher at Lafayette School Corporation
5yI love reading Dr. Kalish’s advice! It is always very specific which makes it easier for me to jump aboard! Very motivational! Thank you!