Where does the time go?!? I mean really, this is totally ridiculous. The week is almost over and once again all the things I thought I’d do have gone undone. Son of a bitch!
1. Get a calendar and USE IT. Every phone has one. Put everything there (including gym time, dinner, etc) so you can organize your day. If you’re like me, you waste a lot of time just trying to sort out what the hell you have to do and when you can do it. I try to calendar stuff, and am getting better. At work, I use a day calendar and literally PUT EVERYTHING DOWN.
2. Pre-sort laundry. I was doing this for awhile and was reminded how much time it actually saves when I had to dig through a giant pile of dirty clothes to find all my socks and underwear to wash. Now I have my main hamper and a small mesh one — the big one is for towels, shirts, jeans, etc. The small one is where socks and undies go. This is especially helpful if, like me, you wait to do laundry until you’re wearing mixed-matched socks and free balling it.
3. Plan TV time. I can sit and watch Family Guy reruns all night long instead of being productive, then beat myself up for not being productive. If you schedule your time (see #1) then you won’t be wasting it.
4. Set your alarm clock back half an hour. You will be amazed! The morning rush suddenly allows time to get an errand in — or at least feel prepared for the day ahead, which will allow you to focus.
5. Easy meals. If you love cooking, by all means enjoy yourself. If you’re pressed for time, heat up a can of soup and make a sandwich.
6. Make a list. I’m not actually unproductive because I don’t have time, it’s because I’m lazy. Unless I have a task list, you’ll find me in front of the TV watching Family Guy reruns with kitty on my lap.
7. Decline invites. You can politely say you have other plans (but don’t say you’re too busy).
8. Put things in their place. Have a little bowl by the door to put your keys. Dock your cell phone on a stand by the bed; whatever. Don’t frustrate yourself and waste time looking for the same crap every single day.
9. Wash right away. After dinner, wash off the plate and put it back. Wash pots and pans right after you cook. Usually food needs time to cool before you eat, this provides the perfect time to wash up. Cleaning a single plate takes way less time than a sink full of dishes.
10. Delegate. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Have a maid come in once a month. Make sure your coworkers are doing their fair share. Force your kid to take the trash to the curb. Figure it out. Be the boss of you and make the world your assistant.
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