Time Management is a popular topic, but in an effort to save your precious time let me share with you the 2 best strategies I have come across.
We live in an entirely new world today where the opportunity to automate tasks is a true game changer in how we leverage our time.
“You multiply your time by spending time on things today that will give you more time tomorrow.” -Rory Vaden
Rory Vaden explains this concept of procrastinating on purpose in his famous ted talk which you watch here:
SAYING NO TO MORE STUFF ALLOWS YOU TO SAY YES TO THE MORE IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE!
Have the guts to say no more often because every time you say yes to something you are unintentionally saying no to other things that may be far more essential to your progress and contribution. Eliminate as much as possible, automate the rest. If it absolutely needs to be done then ask yourself who can I train to do this which is how you delegate to automate. If there is anything that makes it past the first 3 gates you then decide if this is a task that must be focused on now or not. If the answer is no then you can procrastinate on purpose and drop it back in the funnel. The second or third time through the funnel might bring a different result as the issue may have resolved itself or you may be able to automate it with newer technological innovations or delegate it to a new team member. Protect your limited time and energy by not splitting your focus on too many projects. Focus like a fire hose and you will knock out more than remaining a sprinkler.
THE 2 WORD SYSTEM OF TIME MANAGEMENT
Over the years my favorite “Time Management” strategy has always been the simplest:
WORST FIRST
Instead of knocking out the easy tasks like organizing your desk or checking email, consider tackling the worst first. It’s not the worst task for you, but rather the one you know is the most important, you just are scared or overwhelmed by it. Tackle the big item that scares you and then it is smooth sailing from there on out. Try it, it works!