Podcast Episode 121 — Ways to Stop Wasting Your Time
Pick one to start — then keep going.
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Today I want to talk about time.
I’ve mentioned before that time is one of your most precious resources. It’s finite. You can’t get more time in a day, week, or month. And no one ever knows how much they have left. But if you use it wisely, it can help you achieve all of your goals and dreams. Here are some ways to help you stop wasting your time:
Stop saying yes when you want to say no.
Every time you say yes to doing something someone else wants, you’re saying no to yourself.
Let me repeat that so you really hear it.
Every time you say yes to doing something someone else wants, you’re saying no to yourself.
Yes, it is important to help your family and be a good friend — but you absolutely do not have to say yes to everyone and everything. Remember that every time you say yes, you take time away from what you want to do.
If you’re having trouble saying no, the next time you’re asked to do something, instead of responding right away, take a moment to think of how much time the task is going to take and what you would rather do instead. Once you’ve decided to prioritize your wants and needs, it becomes easier to say no.
Realize that you don’t have to respond immediately.
When you get a phone call, email, or text, someone wants your time. Whether it’s family calling to talk, a sales email from your favorite store, or a text from your best friend, they are asking for you to respond in some fashion, which takes time.
My mom used to jump up and almost run to the phone every time it rang. It drove me nuts. She had an answering machine (yes, I’m talking about the time before cell phones that are usually inches away at any given time), so I couldn’t understand the rush. It’s the same with text and email notifications today. Just because they come in, they don’t merit a response RIGHT THAT SECOND — especially if you’re in the middle of something.
Instead, schedule a time, or times, each day to check and respond to your voicemails, emails, and texts. I’m not saying ignore emergencies, but be honest with…
