There’s an amazing adage that says, “Time
is money”. Benjamin Franklin used it on those young tradesmen years back. It’s
such a useful statement to quote to time stealers. Time is a valuable asset
that is given to mankind, freely. Most of us if not all, know about this. But
very few of us take keen interest in exploring the beauty of it.
“Isn’t it shocking,
how something that fetches a ‘free’ price could possibly be crowned the most
valuable asset on planet earth? We all want to live a long life, don’t we? Keep
that answer as your secret.” One blog once wrote that.
The fact is, at one point or the other we
all cry about having not enough time to do what we want. Time sure is scarce as
there is only one ultimate existing source. And if we don’t account for it
wisely, we’ll pay a cost- not having enough time to so what we really want. So,
take pride in it, will you!
In this blog I wish to share with you some essential
habits, results-tailored, which can if mastered transform your productivity. Take
a notepad with you.
Habit #1:
Know your priorities
Prioritize
your tasks to focus on those that are most important. It is TIME for all of us
to reorder your priorities. Unfortunately, sometimes those things that should
come first in our list of priorities come last. Get started, now!
Habit #2: Delegate
Tasks
Someone
once said that, delegation is not shunning away from your responsibilities instead,
it is an important function of management. It is often common for all of us to
take more tasks than we can handle. As a result, this often conceives stress
and burnout within us. Have a heart of delegating tasks.
Habit #3: Avoid Procrastination
It is an obvious,
procrastination is ‘Thief of Time’. It is one of the things that awfully
affects productivity. It not only robs you of your time but your energy as
well. It should be avoided always especially in both your career and personal
life.
Habit #4: Task
Scheduling
Scheduling
equals planning. And “anyone who fails to plan, plans to fail” says a great
philosopher. Get your personal planers, notebooks or smart phones out and list
all the tasks that come to your mind. Draft a simple ‘To Do’ list before the
start of the day. Then prioritize your listed tasks and make sure they are
achievable or rather attainable.
Habit #5: Do
One Thing at A Time
Avoid
multi-tasking where necessary. Most of us think multi-tasking is an efficient
way of getting things done but the truth is we do better when we focus and
concentrate on one thing.
Habit #6: I
Know It Already
“.... Lean
not unto thine own understanding” [Proverbs 3:5]. Most of us try to appear as
if we know what we are doing. The awful and folly mindset of ‘I know it
already!’ Get rid of the ‘Know-it-all’ attitude and get learning. (Do read the
full blog on this title from my list)
Habit #7: An
Early Start
Research
notes that most successful men and women have one thing in common. They start
their day early as it gives them time to sit, think and plan their day. During
early mornings, one is calm,
creative, and clear-headed. As the day progresses, your energy levels drop
drastically which inhibits productivity.
Habit #8: Learn
to Say No.
Some
people can be so nagging at times. But don’t fall for their spells. Politely
refuse to accept additional tasks if you think that you’re already overloaded
with work.
Habit #9: Set
a Deadline
When your
task is at hand, set up a realistic deadline and stick to it. Get to challenge
yourself and meet the deadlines. And in fact, reward yourself for meeting a
difficult challenge.
There you have
it! Good luck with the ‘THINK86400’ campaign and skyrocket your productivity.
