I waste so much time – Do you feel so? How to fix it? Ways to save time and Self-improvement guide
‘Time’ is not just a vague concept but it is a word we cannot help but be familiar with. It is a continuous process that can be measured in that it runs in seconds, minutes, and hours. And unfortunately, it cannot be stopped. As much as we would like to turn back the clock to reverse our doings and right a few wrongs, it still doesn’t stop time from maintaining its pace. A popular phrase states that ‘time wastes for no man.’ Indeed it is a phrase that has been proven true by you and me. Thus time is as valuable as money. As the saying goes, time is money, and money is time.
Have you ever felt that the day runs so fast only to discover that you have not achieved anything worth mentioning? Perhaps you find yourself being overly stressed and time goes by but you still have not been able to achieve anything tangible? That my friend is what happens when your time has been wasted and unproductive. You know, having so much time on your hands but doing very little with it. In other words, you are less productive with the amount of time that you spend each day.
Fret not. There is still time to adjust habits and take control of your time. You might not be able to recover the lost years, but you can improve and decisively take charge of your time. If you really are eager to fix it, then this article is meant for you. And I assure you, reading this article is definitely not a waste of time.
Good news, that there at strategic techniques to effectively manage our time, making sure it is well spent and more productive. In clear terms, you can achieve so much with little time. Note that effective time management enables you to work smarter and not harder. Which do you prefer?
- Ways to save time and Self-improvement guide
Self-improvement means taking charge of your time and making yourself useful in the society. It guarantees you a bright and successful future .This line might sound corny but it is actually the truth. To improve oneself, one must know how to manage their time effectively and productively. Self-improvement also guarantees you a bright and successful future
The first approach is Planning:
Because time can be measured, it allows for flexibility when planning days and event. Therefore, it is important to have your priorities for the day set using calendars, alarms, notepads and other time managing tools to create schedules for yourself. Set task that can be achievable by you within the time frame that suits you best. This can be easily achievable if you are an early riser. Of course with planning, discipline is required to follow through schedules created. You have to consciously make sure you do exactly what you have to do at the time you are supposed to, leaving you enough time to probably go have some fun with extra-curricular activities. Yes extra-curricular activities. Take a break, sleep or play if you want to. Besides, all work and no play can hinder your productivity.
You have to be decisive and intentional when planning your day.
Step 2. Set Targets:
People who waste their time are probably not goal oriented. Hence it is essential to set targets for yourself each day. You probably do this when you want to study for an exam or want to build some muscles and also lose some weights. Time tables are created, your alarm has been set and you are ready to work towards completing your targeted goals.
Moreover this is also an important guide to self-improvement. For instance, when studying a course, you are given a course outline, and duration for completion of course outline so when it’s time for exams you can be well prepared. Note that all these are targeted towards a goal which is passing your course with flying colors. That’s right! Then you can acknowledge the fact that your time was well spent.
Step 3. Develop a routine:
Routines are almost like pre-made templates that guide the work you do and the way you do them. For example, you know by a particular time you are supposed to eat, work and then rest. You can get rid of excess workload when routines are set. Hence, following a particular routine helps you manage your time effectively.
Step 4. Be Organized:
Organization basically makes work easier and less cumbersome. There’s a psychology that comes with being organized. It conditions your mind to work smarter and there is an ease in workflow. If you are scatter-brained and have no set plans which are written or organized in order of importance, you end up spending more time doing nothing. Because at that time, your mind is like a haywire constantly shifting gears and hitting a block spot with no direction in mind. Being organized always helps you to properly align your thoughts and actions.
Step 5. Say goodbye to Bad habits:
There are different bad habit that leads to time mismanagement. One is procrastination. This is seen to be really common amongst people who claim to be goal oriented. Laziness to do what you have to do at the time you are supposed to. It is a bad habit that you need to say good bye to. Substitute procrastination with discipline. Try and do what you have to do ahead of time so there’s enough time to dilly dally if you want.
Making excuses for your unproductivity is also a very bad habit. To avoid doing the necessary, you prefer to create excuses which might seem tangible to you but are actually not. Excuses are not healthy and must be gotten rid of completely. Indeed, it hinders your growth, and makes you stagnant. You end up living a mediocre life. You cannot attain higher heights if flimsy excuses are always being made. Avoid it completely.
Another bad habit is spending so much time on irrelevant things that will yield no profit at the end. And the funny fact is, you are well aware of just how irrelevant that is but you still persist in doing them. Addiction to social media and watching mindless programs on television might be a bad habit for you if you are not using it productively. If more than half of your time is spend dilly dallying on social media, then sorry to tell you this, you might just die a poor man or woman. You wouldn’t want that would you?
There are so many others that you can identify for yourself. Bottom line is, say good riddance to them. It is rather preferable to adopt good habits like cultivating the habit of reading educational, inspirational and motivational books. Planning ahead of time, setting working goals to self-improve, as well as monitoring progress and staying focused.
Step 6. Avoid Distractions:
Whatever it is that stands as a distraction to you, avoid it. It could be social media, TV stations, games, friends, family etc. Try to avoid unnecessary distractions that will consume most part of your time and further hinder your growth.
Step 7. Leave your Comfort zone:
Do not limit yourself to the circumstances around you or to your environment or disability. After all most great men were disabled but were able to surmount difficulties to get what they desired. Of course it was paid with hard work and resilience. Try to strive for the best by challenging yourself to soar higher than what is expected of you.
Step 8. Identify your weakness and Strength:
Discover and take note of your weakness and strength, and try to work with them. You can write down all your weaknesses and try to overshadow it with your strength. Or better yet address them. Get rid of bad energy or things that will hinder your growth. They might be in form of friends or relative. People who you discover always try to lower your self-esteem or condemn you. Stay away from them.
Step 9. Intentionally find inspiration for yourself if you lack motivation:
Perhaps you are feeling down trodden and lack motivation to perform the tasks you have to do then; you need to find yourself some inspiration. This is probably the best time to listen to some motivational podcasts, watch inspirational videos to boost your self-confidence. Some people find motivation when they visit LinkedIn or watch TED talk shows. Also, books are a great way to pass time while getting key information or knowledge that is never wasted. There are many motivational and inspirational books written by renowned authors who had applied stated principles which worked for them and may work for you too. Books like, Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy, Gifted Hands by Ben Carson etc.
Researching is also a good way to pass time without wasting it. Learn to be curious about your environment, think of ways which you can add value or be of help to the society and try to work on that. That way you be engaged in something you can learn from and also contribute to.
Step 10. Join a Club:
Engage yourself by joining a club where you can actively engage in worthwhile activities, while building your circle of friends and connections. A lot of people through joining clubs have been exposed to job opportunities through the vrious connections they made.
Step 11. Get Yourself a Mentor:
Perhaps a friend or someone you look up to. Share your challenges and difficulties with them and be helped. Learn from the best and endeavor to be better than them. If you are eager for growth, then this is probably the best challenge you can give to yourself.
Step 12. Become a Volunteer: Volunteer for community services and contribute your skills and services to the society. The experience would be worthwhile and your exposure will increase.
Step 13. Ensure your environment is conducive for work and learning:
Organize your working environment. Make sure it’s neat and materials are arranged appropriately to suit your comfort. If you need music to work, why not add some non-distracting music to keep you in a good mood.
You can learn a new skill which will prove to be someday useful for you in the labor market. Take a course and expand your intellectual horizon.
Step 14. Rest:
It is important that your time is well balanced, with work, play and rest to avoid unnecessary stress. It allows you to be more productive in the long run. So taking a break from tedious activities is a must if you must maintain a healthy status and productivity.
Finally. Be consistent and Stay focused:
It is necessary for self-improvement if you are committed to your personal goals. It ensures rapid growth. Think big and outside the box. Get innovative and seek excellence.
There is time for everything. A time to sow and a time to reap. Therefore, starts sowing, you will someday reap all the fruits of your labor.
Remember, time is not a respecter of a person; it actually waits for no man. So use your time wisely.
Also read Self-Management Skills for Career Success
