HOW TO STOP WASTING TIME

30 strategies to help you stop wasting your time on things that distract you from the life you want and start creating what matters most to you now.

To understand how to stop wasting time, we first need to identify what matters most to us now. This helps us to know how to prioritise the use of our time. To do this, in my recent 90 minute workshop with Authentic Woman Members and guests I facilitated a short activity. This activity asked participants to imagine that they were 90 years old and was approached by a journalist from their favourite publication who wants to write an article about what they have achieved and will be leaving behind; their legacy so to speak. I asked the members 'What would you want this journalist to write about you in their article?'

This exercise helped our members to identify what really matters to them most, right now. After they completed the activity, I asked them how much time they were giving to these areas of their life that they deemed mattered most to them right now? They recognised that the time, if any, that they were giving to these areas did not align with what they believed matters most to them, right now and would contribute greatly to how they would want to be remembered. This helped them to refocus.

Some of the main distractions and time wasters to come out of the session was watching tv; day dreaming; boundaries - giving people too much of their time; not being able to say no and not knowing how to prioritise their day.

The strategies below are specific to the time wasters identified above to help you stop wasting time become more focused and set boundaries:

1. Set clear goals: Start by identifying your short-term and long-term goals. This will give you a sense of purpose and help you align your activities with your objectives.

2. Create a schedule: Plan your day in advance by creating a schedule or to-do list. Prioritise your tasks based on their importance and deadlines. This will help you stay organized and focused.

3. Eliminate distractions: Minimize distractions that can side-track you from your goals. This includes reducing or eliminating the time you spend watching TV, daydreaming excessively, or engaging in activities that don't contribute to your personal or professional growth.

4. Practice saying no: Learn to say no when you feel overwhelmed or when an activity doesn't align with your goals or values. Setting boundaries is essential for managing your time effectively.

5. Use productivity techniques: Experiment with different productivity techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (working in focused bursts with short breaks) or time blocking (allocating specific time blocks for different tasks). Find the methods that work best for you.

6. Develop self-discipline: Cultivate self-discipline by holding yourself accountable for your time and actions. Remind yourself of your goals and the importance of utilising your time wisely.

7. Delegate tasks: If possible, delegate some responsibilities to others. Delegating tasks can free up your time and allow you to focus on more important activities.

8. Practice mindfulness: Be present and aware of how you're spending your time. Mindfulness can help you become more conscious of your actions and make intentional choices about how you use your time.

9. Seek support and accountability: Share your goals with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor. They can provide support and hold you accountable for managing your time effectively.

10. Reflect and adjust: Regularly evaluate how you're managing your time and reflect on what is and isn't working. Make adjustments as needed to improve your productivity and time management skills.

Remember, change takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself as you develop new habits and strategies to prioritize your day and make the most of your time.

Strategies for saying ‘NO’

Learning to say no can be challenging, but with practice, it becomes easier. Here are some tips to help you effectively say no:

1. Be clear and assertive: When saying no, be direct and assertive. Clearly state your decision without ambiguity or excessive apologies.

2. Use "I" statements: Express your decision using "I" statements to take ownership of your feelings and choices. For example, say, "I'm sorry, but I can't commit to that right now" instead of "You're asking too much of me."

3. Express gratitude: Show appreciation for the opportunity or request, even if you have to decline. For instance, say, "Thank you for thinking of me, but I won't be able to participate."

4. Offer alternatives (if appropriate): If possible, suggest alternatives or compromises. This shows that you are still interested in helping, but within your limits. For example, say, "I can't attend the entire event, but I can help for an hour."

5. Be firm and consistent: Avoid wavering in your decision. It's important to be firm and consistent with your response to establish boundaries.

6. Practice in advance: If you struggle with saying no, practice beforehand. Rehearse different scenarios or write down potential responses to build your confidence.

7. Take time to respond: If you feel pressured to give an immediate response, it's okay to take some time to think about it. This allows you to evaluate your availability and make an informed decision.

8. Be mindful of your priorities: Remember your goals and priorities when deciding whether to say yes or no. If an opportunity aligns with your objectives, it may be worth considering. Otherwise, politely decline.

9. Don't overexplain or apologize excessively: While it's good to provide a brief explanation if needed, avoid overexplaining or apologizing excessively. Keep your response concise and respectful.

10. Practice self-care: Remember that saying no is an act of self-care. Prioritizing your own well-being and time is important for maintaining balance and avoiding burnout.

Saying no can be uncomfortable at first, but as you assert your boundaries and communicate your needs, you'll gain more control over your time and commitments.

Strategies to minimise distractions, like watching too much tv, scrolling aimlessly on the phone and daydreaming?

Minimizing distractions requires conscious effort and discipline. Here are some strategies to help you reduce distractions and stay focused:

1. Set specific goals and priorities: Clearly define your goals and identify the most important tasks that align with those goals. This will give you a sense of purpose and help you stay focused on what truly matters.

2. Create a distraction-free environment: Designate a specific area or workspace where distractions like TVs or smartphones are not easily accessible. This physical separation can help you maintain focus and reduce the temptation to engage in distracting activities.

3. Remove or limit access to distractions: If possible, remove or minimize the presence of distractions. Keep your TV turned off or place your phone in another room or out of sight while you work.

4. Use productivity apps or website blockers: Consider using productivity apps or browser extensions that block or limit access to distracting websites or apps. These tools can help you stay focused by temporarily restricting your access during designated work periods.

5. Practice mindful technology use: Be conscious of how you use technology and set limits for yourself. Use apps or features that track and limit your screen time, and establish specific time frames for when you can indulge in recreational activities like watching TV or scrolling through social media.

6. Schedule dedicated breaks: Instead of succumbing to distractions throughout the day, schedule regular breaks. During these breaks, allow yourself to engage in leisure activities like watching TV or using your phone. This way, you can satisfy your cravings for distractions without letting them consume your entire day.

7. Practice the "5-Minute Rule": When you feel the urge to engage in a distracting activity, tell yourself to wait for five minutes. Often, the initial impulse subsides, and you can refocus on your tasks. If the distraction still feels compelling after five minutes, assess whether it aligns with your priorities and make a conscious decision about whether to indulge in it.

8. Practice mindfulness and meditation: Cultivate mindfulness to develop better control over your thoughts and reduce mind wandering. Regular meditation or mindfulness exercises can help increase your ability to stay present and focused.

9. Find alternative activities: Identify alternative activities that can serve as healthier distractions or sources of relaxation. Engage in hobbies, physical exercise, reading, or spending quality time with loved ones to redirect your attention away from unproductive distractions.

10. Seek accountability and support: Share your goals and challenges with a friend, family member, or accountability partner. Having someone to check in with regularly can help keep you on track and provide support when you're struggling with distractions.

Remember, minimising distractions is a gradual process that requires practice and self-discipline. Celebrate small victories along the way and be patient with yourself as you develop healthier habits and routines.

What will you do today to save time so that you can create the life that you really want?