If you are like me and trying to build a business while working a day job, you are probably beginning to realize how valuable your time is. And if you have a spouse and/or kids, time is even more precious.
Here are 5 tips that you can use to get everything done and be more productive while keeping your sanity:
1. Use the two-minute rule. If something can be done in two minutes or less, do it now instead of adding it to your To-Do List. It’ll be one more thing off your list that you don’t have to worry about. If you have an iPhone, you can tell Siri, “Set a timer for two minutes” and knock that task off. Also there are plenty of timer apps, like this one.
2. Use your waiting time (and your smartphone). We are often standing in line, waiting for an appointment or commuting. You can use that time to knock something off your to-do list, read the latest novel on your Kindle, catch up on current events, and review social media postings. You can also use that time to continue your education by listening to podcasts or audiobooks, return client calls and breathe (or meditate if that’s your thing).
3. Have only one to-do list. This is similar to having only one calendar so that you do not overbook yourself. Put everything you have to do on one list and then start categorizing it based on priority and due dates. Use a tool like Any.do that’s fun and interactive. (I mean, you can shake your phone to clear your tasks) This way you don’t have to check multiple places when you are ready to work – you just pick a thing off your list and go to work.
4. Batch tasks. If you have four client calls in a day, try to batch them together in a two-hour time period. Catch up on all your emails at 8 a.m. and then later at 12 p.m. Batching tasks makes it much easier to focus because you are in that mode. You can also use batching in combination with your peak energy times to increase your productivity. For example, if your peak time is in the morning, you can batch all your writing tasks first thing in the morning and schedule all your phone calls for later in the afternoon.
5. Sometimes “good enough” is all you need. For us perfectionists especially (and yes I am one), remember that everything does not have to be 100 percent. Sometimes good enough is all that you need. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Focus on doing the best you can, put it out there and then get feedback and tweak as you go along. This will allow you to get more things done. Now I’m not saying to never go 100 percent because there are some things that require it, but try to identify those things so that you can balance the two.
What are some ways that you balance your day? What are some of your productivity tips?
All your advices are really cool (especially about batching tasks). Great thank you!
Hi, Jessica Williams. It’s a great list with useful information. As for me you should add Bordio. It has really up-to-date interface, you can choose different colors for different types of activities, complete tasks and events when you finish them.