December 6, 2024

How to Add an Hour to Each Day by Juli Shulem

What would YOU do with an extra hour each day?

Literally gaining an extra hour per day, beyond the 24 we are all allocated, is not really an option (unless you happen to have a time machine). Since it is out of our control to ADD time, we must instead eliminate WASTED time. Here are 3 realistic tips you can use to reduce wasted time, which will ultimately increase productive time and give you far more than just an extra hour a day!

Clear Clutter. That’s right. The average American (according to a study conducted by a Boston Marketing firm) loses 55 minutes a day looking for things. So, if you find yourself having to move multiple things around in your search for something, clutter is part of the problem. Solution: Set a time every day to clear an area – just do 20-30 minutes a day and you will be amazed at how fast you can de-cluttered.

Plan Ahead. Planning ahead by preparing for the following day and writing your task list with top priorities first has many benefits. Firstly, you will have less stress because if something is missing, needs to be confirmed, written, etc. you have time to do it before the event occurs. Secondly, when you plan in advance, you can schedule tasks in a logical order, thereby increasing your efficiency, shaving minutes from the time taken to deal with items randomly. Thirdly, you will sleep more soundly. Stress is the leading culprit robbing American’s of sleep according to the Better Sleep Council, and by planning ahead your stress level is reduced and thereby you can sleep better. Better sleep = more ability to concentrate the following day, and less wasted time.

Reduce computer/tech time. If you spend hours online surfing, checking out YouTube and chatting for hours on end on Facebook, you are wasting time. Most people don’t even realize the inordinate amount of time they are spending on these activities. Instead of swearing off checking out your favorite videos entirely, set a time limit and be practical. Solution: Set a timer for a realistic amount of time and walk away from your computer when the timer goes off. Sharing what you had for dinner last night on your FaceBook wall is a waste of your time posting it and your friend’s time reading it.

Contributed by Juli Shulem (jshulem@gmail.com/805-964-2389), Efficiency/ ADHD Coach. www.julishulem.com, Efficiency Expert since 1984, and author of the eBook, Order! A Logical Approach to an Organized Way of Life, www.getordernow.com