# HOW TO. Time Savings Techniques

In my experience, the reason why we run out of time is simply because we are wasting too much of it. We are not focused enough when we need to be, we work on topics that are not immediately urgent and we are not looking for efficiencies when we should be.

Here are four simple rules I have devised for myself.

One - be present mentally and focus on the task at hand

The idea is relatively simple - when you are working on something, try to be absolutely, 100%, focused on the task at hand. Try to not think about anything else and cut out all the distractions. There are many "tools" you can adapt to help you get there - switch off your phone, close the door to your study, put on noise cancelling headphones etc. - and they are all great. The best and most successful tool however is repetition. Try to work on your focus, starting small and expanding over time. Measure your time with analogue stop watch or an hourglass (avoid using your phone as it creates a temptation to be used).

Try focus sprints - 30 minutes to begin with and then progress into longer sessions. Use analogue notes to display objectives of your focus sprint session.

Two - plan and prioritise

Take a look at each month, before it starts and write down all the key objectives you have to or want to achieve. Knowing the deadlines ahead of time, helps you prioritise your work accordingly, and ensures focus is given to the relevant topics. It will also help avoid stressful, last minute work, because you forgot of an upcoming delivery.

Three - invest time to learn and invest in yourself.

This will have a compounding effect on your efficiency and productivity. Learning new skills allows you to do things faster the next time; automating repetitive tasks frees up space for other topics. Simple example - assume you are at work where you need to repeat the same task every month. You have two options here. Run the process manually month on month, or figure out a way for an automation to do it for your. If you are successful then you'd have learned a new skill and "outsourced" the boring, repetitive task to a tool.

Four - delegate.

If there are tasks you need to perform, but they do not add much value, try outsourcing. Use machines to help you do your work - laundry, dishes, vacuum cleaning - and use external services for other work - dry cleaners, online grocery shopping, cleaning services.

Cheers.

Until next time

M|K