Getting the Most Out of Your Time

Austin Gardner • March 21, 2024

What really matters is how we make the most of those 1440 minutes.

  1. Do more than one thing at a time: Listen to audio books while you're driving, working out, or doing simple tasks.

  2. Always have a way to take notes: Don't let good ideas slip away. Write them down so you don't forget.

  3. Avoid people who waste time: Stay away from those who talk a lot about nothing important. Try not to spend too much time with them.

  4. Use the early morning and late evening well: Take advantage of the quiet times in the early morning and late evening to get things done without interruptions.

  5. Work harder when you're most awake: Figure out when you're at your best and use that time to do important stuff.

  6. Use travel time wisely: Don't just sit there when you're on a bus, car, or plane. Bring a good book or find something useful to do.

  7. Plan your day in the morning or the evening before: Spend a few minutes thinking about what you want to do that day. Make a plan and stick to it.

  8. Make waiting time count: Bring something to read or do when you have to wait, like at the doctor's office.

  9. Get help when you need it: If someone else can do a job better and faster, ask for help. Focus on what you're good at.

  10. Hang out with a purpose: Don't spend time chatting for no reason. Organize your time and do things on purpose.

  11. Sleep on purpose: Decide when you'll sleep and stick to it. Too little or too much sleep can mess up how well you work.

  12. Plan time to worry: Write down what bothers you and tell yourself you'll worry about it later. This keeps you from worrying when you should be doing other things.

  13. Don't stress over small decisions: Save your energy for important stuff. Don't make a big deal out of little things.

  14. Focus on what you're doing right now: If you're ready for today, what comes next will take care of itself.


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