Many of us think that there's not much time to do things especially in this highly competitive world. Here are proven ways to get over this mind set.
- If we want to get things done, then we should look at the expected end result. You might be too preoccupied by the process of doing the work when there are many simpler ways of doing it. As they say "There are many ways of killing a cat".
- Many leaders find a liking to holding meetings on almost every issue that comes their way. Hold meetings on those items where you need to arrive to a decision. If the intention is to disseminate information, then sending copies to concerned people will do the job.
- Nobody can be productive if they yawn most of the time. Many people find it helpful to take 15-minute naps to refresh their minds. But a Harvard study discovered one-hour appears to be best. I like this tip because it energizes me.
- Many people feel guilty or inadequate if their work is not that perfect. Being a perfectionist can drain a lot of your energies otherwise devoted to more important matters. If there is a better use of your time than to keep on checking everything in your work to achieve perfection, then do so. Nobody's perfect in this world.
- Do you really need to do the work yourself? It may be possible that somebody else can do it. Let others do the work to free up your time for more productive endeavor and also help others to become more productive.
- If things are not within your priority and you have a choice then have the courage to say No. Sometimes, just to avoid hurting someone or make someone feel good, we tend to give up our own priorities. If you take all the work presented to you, there will come a time that work will pile up unattended.
- We tend to pile up clutter in our desks. A study found out that more than 50% of what we keep deserve the wastebasket. It pays to clean your desk of clutter. It will also mean that you have finished your assigned task as nothing is left on your desk. If its your computer, save only the important files. Saving everything will just crowd your computer's hard disk. Anyway, almost always you don't read them anyway.
- If you value your family or special friend, it pays to treat them once in a while in the park, a beach or places that will free up your mind and enjoy their company. Besides, what are your working for? Is it money? Many studies point out that money could not make someone happy. People value relationships. A weekend trip will steer your mind away from stressful work and make you more productive when Monday comes.
- Parkinson's law states that "Work expands to fill the time available for its completion." It is therefore necessary to set reasonable deadlines.
- Wallowing in regret is a serious emotional drain. Let bygones be bygones. You can't do anything about the past anymore. An anonymous philosopher said: Yesterday is a cancelled check, tomorrow is a promissory note, today is ready cash. Use it!
