I don't know if I call this time management but want to call it attention management.
My mentor used to say this often and I live by this “you always have the time, you didn’t prioritise”
We all seem to always have to a hundred things to do, but never the time to start, even if we start, we don’t complete so many tasks and there is an insane list of backlogs.
Writing what has helped me run a day (my day and your day are very different but these are general tips, tricks, and as I’d like to call it attention management 101)
- wake up early (cliched but most effective), I wake up before 5.30 on most days. Gives me my “me time”, 6-7 is workout, if I am not working out, I am reading or practicing a skill (not everyday, if I want to sleep in, I do that too but not for more than 2 days in a row).
- Meal plans, if you like me manage a household or live alone, plan your meals on Sunday night ( or before so you shop grocery accordingly), minimises decision making. Also, meal preps: make pasta sauces, gravy base over weekend, these stay good in the fridge and helps you whip up a meal within 15-20 mins.
- Spend 30 mins on Friday late eve/night or weekend organising your weekly calendar. I am learning this slowly but this is a very underrated hack. When you do this in advance, you already have a sense of purpose for the upcoming week and your mind is free for the weekend.
- Everyday pick 45 mins of reading time, throw your phone away and read. Anything of your interest. This could be a twitter thread, an article you saved on pocket, if you like me are a fiction reader, try to pick up non-fiction and read, read in 7 min slots.
- Take breathers in between work, after 40 mins I sometimes lie down with eyes shut (eye masks, highly recommend) and unwind, resets brain.
- No phones or tv while eating, this is a rule in our home because I have a toddler but really makes you think better, makes you appreciate food and family time better.
- Make work meetings 15 mins or lesser, 40 mins only if it is planning meetings or such. Set context ahead of meeting , so actual time of meeting isn't wasted. Make sure you and anyone joining the call knows context so you don’t spend time setting one.
- If you are worried about starting something, just do it first- spend 7 mins of your time in it, doesn't happen, move to task 2, you can come back later (or take a walk/run/ fix a drink) don't be stuck to it beyond time.
- Also, mentally be prepared for the month- week- day. example: have top three priorities you want to tick off for the month, break it down. Put on a board and plan. - extensively use tools to plan- keep, whatsapp chat to yourself, reminders, anything, so you don't miss out.
- Organise to optimise: Most of us will continue to work from our homes, this means we need to create a better environment to work within what we have. We have a toddler (proof of his work is on the walls of the picture) who studies from home and my art supplies were overflowing, I decided to organise them and make it accessible. The Ikea peg board was bought off second hand, a pin board and ofc a work desk which has minimal things.
- Declutter: avoid pointless arguments- is your time worth investing in a problem- yes/no. If it's no, don't fight it.
- Have a “No” list, learn to say no if it is not your priority. It is harder than it sounds but helps to clear schedule, declutter, focus, and function optimally.
-Learn to say bye to pointless conversations, you are not rude, you want to do something more effective. And it's ok.
Last but most important according to me,
- Allot, outsource, nurture your support system: If hiring a cook will save you 60mins in a day and will solve a problem, do it. If buying a dishwasher will do it, then go ahead. There is a cost to peace of mind, and I see this as investment. It saves effort, your time, and makes you feel in control. If you have a support system, nurture it. Remember , most of us are busy in slots and a little help from family and friends, go a long way. Ask for help, set expectations way ahead and narrate behaviour, this avoids drama.
These are simple everyday hacks that helps me reduce my anxiety and make me work better. I have my dose of unorganised, chaotic days as well. I have learnt not to beat myself over it, should there be a plan B? yes, ofc. Will it always work? May not. I order take outs when I am overwhelmed (happens despite all the planning), during those days we watch movies together or just eat cake.