There is no denying the truth of the saying, “Time is gold.”
You never seem to get enough of time. Even if you are given thirty hours in a day, you still won’t be able to get enough of it. Somehow, some things will come up and you will end up wanting more time. Time is a precious commodity. Once it’s gone, it cannot be recovered.
The fact is: when you are busy, time flies swiftly. But when you are not, time seems to be at a stand still. This is true when you are killing time because there is nothing else to do under the circumstances.
How do you maximize the use of your time? It would be worth your time to consider the following strategies:
Check your schedule at the start of the day or the evening before.
Review it in its entirety. You may notice that portions of your day may be hectic, while some may not be too frenzied. Distribute your activities evenly throughout the day as much as possible and anticipate things going haywire!
Prioritize.
The key to getting the most done is knowing what’s a priority and what can wait. Experts suggest that you divide your to-do list into three sections: those things that need to be taken care of immediately, those that can get done anytime during the week, and those that are long-term or ongoing projects. I have found when I STAR items that are critical to get done, I have more success at getting more of my list completed.
Jot things down to keep your brain free!
Keep notepads handy or your smartphone so you can get those little “things” that pop into your mind OUT OF IT and written down somewhere. I use the notes feature on my phone to keep track of all those little “to-dos” and ideas that pop in my head when I am out and about.
Be creative.
Time is an element when simple creativity can be put to practice. For example, you have thank you cards to write for a recent party – but you have to be out at appointments with your kids – so be sure to take the note cards along with you. You can write while waiting. I love multi-tasking in that way. I also find these snippets of time good for reading or listening to audio books.
Think ahead.
I enjoy looking for ways to delete steps from a task or cut the amount of time I spend on a task. For instance, I look for ways to prepare as much as I can for morning the night before. Or set the table for the next meal with the dishes you unload from the dishwasher, or clean the shower when I finish my shower, then I am already in and can get it done right.
Delegate.
I talk about this one often, and I am happy to report I am getting better at it! Look at your list for the day and why not give everyone a job. Whether it’s sorting laundry, emptying the garbage, putting away groceries, or vacuuming the family room, there are chores that even the littlest of helpers can do. I love that you can color code and highlight tasks in The Confident Mom Weekly Household Planner (which, by the way, is a free resource for you!) and allow others in your home to help out!
Time is something you could never have enough of. We all feel that way. However, you become wise when you choose to maximize it.
