“Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time”.
Though everyone detests to acknowledge it, it’s reality. Our most valuable resource, when utilized effectively, is time. Everybody’s timetable is for 24 hours. Thus, we are equals regardless of what anyone thinks. The critical difference is in how we allocate our time.
Isn’t it amazing how some individuals can maximize their production levels? In contrast, others can but choose not to. I’ve always been curious about how Elon Musk manages his companies, maintains his sanity and functionality, and leads a happy life. Subsequently, it dawned on me that his priorities are the things that truly matter to him, not the fact that he has time for everything.
Myth: Many individuals think they need more time to read a book, pick up a side gig, or pick up a new language or talent. This is a trap that is simple to slip into. Consider this: you have undoubtedly said “no” to one of those before. Indeed, I have. I always do it even though I know it’s untrue. Being conscious of the “I don’t have time” myth is the first step towards breaking it.
These four strategies can help you stay on top of your game, identify and eliminate mental justifications, and increase productivity.
1. Make three primary monthly goals.
I wouldn’t say I like organizing. I’m overwhelmed by it. The prevailing wisdom suggests planning your month, week, or day ahead of time. That you ought to prepare a thorough plan. To me, it sounds like a chore. Increasing productivity and practicing effective time management shouldn’t need additional work.
Setting three significant objectives at the start of every month is the best approach. Merely glancing at your list of fifteen goals will sap your motivation. However, writing down three goals in a paper document or Google Doc becomes light, achievable, and manageable. This practice not only empowers you but also instills a can-do attitude, making you feel in control and motivated.
2. Suck the day’s most giant frog.
This is from the book “Eat that Frog” by Brian Tracy. He calls ambitious ambitions “frogs” in it. As soon as you wake up, you should decide which task is the most complex and crucial for the day and tackle it first.
Eating a giant frog is a must, ideally, a task requiring concentration and energy. For me, It involves drafting a lengthy essay, article, or email. When I get out of bed, I go directly to my Mac because I know I have to start my day ahead of schedule, or it will take me by surprise. Completing such a task early in the day not only sets the tone for a productive day but also instills a sense of accomplishment, making you feel successful and productive.
Once again, time management and productivity decrease with your number of goals. If you do this daily, even little victories will mount to great heights.
3. Set priorities and guard your time.
As with money, watching how you spend your time is critical. You’ve taken the first step towards efficient time management there. Pick a period that works for you to complete your essential chores and live that time. That means you should only accept assignments on time. It’s easy to let life get away from you.
Most people also need to appreciate time more. They’ll constantly invite you to hang out and have fun, even whether they know you’re busy or free. Take advantage of that ignorance on your behalf. Appearing inaccessible or inactive when you’re not is preferable. It makes it simple to refuse requests that do not value your life. You get greater control over your time when you safeguard it and use it in whatever you like, making you feel in control and empowered.
The worst-case scenario is being in control of time. That causes someone to say, “I’m short on time.” It only indicates that they are mired in their delusion, and the tragic thing is that they have persuaded themselves that nothing can be done about it. They consequently give up and believe there is no way to solve their problems because of “lack of time” for the rest of their lives.
First, learn to spend your time more wisely and allocate it to crucial routines that will make a difference and help you advance personally and professionally.
4. Hell, yes or no
Derek Sivers’ book “Hell yeah or no: what’s worth doing” inspired this idea.
Your response to any request for action should always be either hell yeah or no. If you need to be more enthusiastic about pursuing a goal, consider carefully before making that choice. Between hell yeah and no, there should be nothing.
As such, we need to exercise discretion in our time. I give the amount of time I’ll need to devote careful thought before taking on new initiatives. I pose the following queries to myself:
- When this is all over, what will I have gained?
- Will my time be well spent?
- How much time a day and a week will I devote to this?
For instance, I’ve always desired to become a coder. Even though it’s tedious and a glaring red flag, I understood it’s essential for my writing career. Since I’m not tech-savvy, coding is incredibly time-consuming and tedious. It won’t be worth my time because it will take me weeks if not longer, to get good at it. I can do other fun activities for myself with that time instead.
