My post yesterday reminded me how important the perception of time is. Time, in my opinion, is a far more precious resource than money. I can always earn more money. Time, once passed, is gone forever.
Here are my top 5 time management tips…
1) Harness Synergies
If I'm expending energy, I want to use that action to benefit as many other areas of my life as possible. Take travel. The hubby and I love to travel. I use the photos from our trips on our travel blog. I base many of my novels in the travel destinations. I research new products and business development for my blogs and for my contract gigs. I usually pop in on business, blog, or writing buddies or family. We bring back goods (like English chocolate) to barter and as thank you's. And we're always looking for investments.
2) Sunk Time Is Gone
Time, like money, spent in the past is not considered when making decisions about the future. I've ended blogs that I spent 3 years posting on. I'm not going to spend more of my precious time on something that isn't working and won't ever work.
3) When You Can, Delegate
There are unlimited possibilities to fill up our day. I'm very choosy about what tasks I take on. If I can delegate it for less (or the same hourly rate) and doing it myself doesn't bring me joy, I delegate. It isn't a sign of weakness but of power.
4) Do The To Do List
With the unlimited possibilities and the tempting distractions, the to do list is a must. I keep it manageable, usually with my top 5 things to do that day (ordered in importance). Then, and this is the trick, I DO it. I get it done and then no matter what happens with the rest of my day, I feel I've accomplished something
5) Rewards Come After Accomplishments
TV or recreational reading is a reward. It is like dessert. It should come after the accomplishments, the main dish, the work. Like dessert, too much makes one soft (in the head, rather than the belly)