Do you have any tricks you use to save time?
Aren’t you happy to have discovered those secrets?
That’s how I feel about the time-saving tools and tricks I use. If you missed last week, here’s a guide to the time-saving tools I can’t live without.
In addition to those, I’ve collected little bits of wisdom over the years about how to save time and get the most out of my day, without feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
As author and speaker Jim Rohn says, “Either you run the day, or the day runs you.”
Managing your time well is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, both personally and professionally. Time management often comes down to simple planning or easy adjustments.
And that’s why I wanted to share with you my 6 savvy time-saving secrets:
To accomplish a task, like a project proposal or performance review, set a timer for the number of minutes you want to spend completing it (i.e. 30 minutes or an hour).
Why it works: As Phyllis Korkki said in The New York Times, “People respond well to deadlines because meeting them provides a distinct feeling of having achieved something within a time frame”. With the timer running, you’ll be more focused and determined to complete what you’ve set out to do.
For certain projects, like an employee write-up or meeting agenda, turn off notifications for your email and place your phone on unavailable.
Why it works: With less distractions, our brains can complete things quicker because they are not interrupted. Undivided attention on one project will ensure accuracy and timeliness.
Rather than sitting at your desk for a number of hours at a time, take breaks by walking, talking with colleagues, or stretching.
Why it works: In a recent Entrepreneur article, Joe Robinson shared that, “You get more done quicker when you step back and recharge the brain and body. Studies show that performance increases after breaks of all durations: from extended vacations down to micro-breaks of 30 seconds”.
Have that thing on your to-do list that you’ve been putting off or dread doing? Eat the ‘frog’ (the unwanted task) by completing it first thing in the morning.
Why it works: Checking off a task you don’t enjoy will give you positive momentum and energy for the rest of the day. Rather than spending time revisiting the unwanted task in your mind or on your to-do list, you’ll be onward to accomplishing other things.
Take a look at your processes, both large and small. Where can you make tweaks to improve the flow and reduce time?
Why it works: Simple changes and improved processes can help you win back time through efficiency.
If you’re stuck on something, ask for help or feedback. Talking it through with a colleague or gaining their assistance will move you through a sticky spot or mental block.
Why it works: Feedback can help you move past the stagnant phase of a project or idea. Other team members can assist you with completing the work, too, and they may even do a better job!
With these time-saving ideas in mind, where might you save some precious time?
Take a moment to reflect or use this month’s download, The HR Time Drain: find out how much time you’re really spending on common HR tasks.
As always, I’m here to help. Let me know if I can help save you time, make your days easier, or give your company an extra boost.
Enjoy your week!
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