How I get things done.
People always ask me how I get everything done. I am known for staying active, keeping busy, and always having fun.
First of all, I don’t get everything done, all the time, but don’t tell anyone! Most of the time, I am happy with accomplishing 80 - 90% of what I have to do. I remember the saying “shoot for the moon, if you don’t reach it, you’ll still land among the stars". So, I consider 80 - 90% “landing among the stars” of personal daily achievement. That’s probably the biggest secret to staying happy, moving forward, and loving your life - don’t stress over what you didn’t finish, instead, focus on the vast majority of things you’ve already done. Build momentum from there!
My most valuable strategy is to schedule what’s important first. For me, that’s my fitness activities, planning time for organizing my life, time with my dog and my boyfriend. Yes, I do work. I see clients, but I schedule them all in blocks of time in order to keep most of my days open. So, yeah, time management.
At the end of each month, I plot and schedule next month. I put my “work appointments” on my calendar, then I plot all of the above. I book all my fitness classes/appointments/practice time. I block the time I walk my dog, hike, and hang out with my boyfriend. I also, block a few hours per week for long-term planning, ideas, etc.
We all have one thing in common - 24 hours in a day. We just use them differently. Most people waste a lot of hours. If you think of how many hours you spend on social media, you may discover where you can make some time for more important things. If you stare at your phone “connecting” with your “friends” on Facebook for one hour per day, that’s 7 hours per week, that’s 28 hours per month. Most people spend a lot more than a single hour per day on social media. Any idea how much stuff you can get done in 28 hours, 46, or 75 hours per month? I bet you can get a lot of projects done!
OK, I do go on social media, obviously… as in when I am waiting in line in the grocery store, or at a red light, or at the dentist’s office… I minimize my browsing. I look things up, like my family members, from time to time so I know what they are up to, I check out events, I post business-related or personal things as needed, and I am out. I have a real life to live and it’s off-screen.
Finally, I say “no” to a lot! I am stingy with my time. I evaluate all invitations, proposals, and possibilities in terms of how important they are, how useful they are, how enjoyable they are, how healthy they are, how interesting they are, and if I can take my dog with me. LOL. In other words, I don’t have time to waste on things, people, and places that do not contribute to my well-being, personal development, or increasing the quality of my life.
Finally, there are a lot more hours in a day when the day is long. I get up early and go to bed late. I religiously get seven hours of sleep per night, though. Sleep is sacred! So, no late-night drinking parties for me. If I can’t rest well, I can’t function well. Plus I want to stay young forever, so I need my beauty sleep. No compromises there!
Time is the only non-renewable resource. You can’t get it back. Spend it wisely.
Get stuff done!
If you like what you just read, there’s more coming. Don’t miss out on any of it. Consider subscribing and sharing with your friends… And feel free to send me your questions, suggestions, and life hacks you may have!