We are all overburdened with commitments. We take advantage of the moments of pause that we have available to have fun or loiter. But learning how to be more efficient at home and at work will help you optimize your free time, making you more productive, satisfied and happy. Continue reading the article to start becoming more efficient.
Steps
Step 1. Develop critical thinking
- Ask questions and ask for full explanations. Communicate effectively. Explore different scenarios before proceeding.
- Use logic and common sense. Accept your mistakes and learn from them.
- Consider alternatives. Get help from someone more experienced and knowledgeable. Try to be resourceful and forward-thinking. Don't foreclose on new possibilities.
- Grow your skills. Even if they aren't useful to you now, they may be in the future. Grab this concept and exploit it in different ways.
Step 2. Be forward looking
Optimize your work and hone your techniques by planning ahead.
- Make a list of your ideas. You may not have time to move on right now, but you may have time to think about the best process.
- Do research online and in the library. Compare the pros and cons, risks and benefits.
- Read the instructions carefully before proceeding. Highlight or underline the most important concepts.
- Learn the basic concepts before moving on to the more complex ones.
- Use the right tools and resources. A simple tool might be better suited for certain tasks.
- Set priorities. What needs to be done first, urgently or today?
- Be realistic about the timing of each task. Set aside time to deal with any unforeseen events. As you are about to complete one step, start thinking about the next one.
- Proceed gradually, at half-hour or hourly intervals. A smaller project is less daunting and easier to accomplish.
- Complete the task assigned to you, or at least perform it up to a certain point and move on to another day.
Step 3. Focus
If you forget a passage or lose your train of thought, you will be wasting your time.
- Remove distractions to focus better. Calm helps you relax. Use earplugs if you feel they are necessary.
- Do one thing at a time. Complete one step before moving on to the second. Most of the steps in a job are subordinate to the previous ones.
- Complete one project before starting another, for a sense of order.
Step 4. Give yourself a break
- Rest to regenerate and restore both body and spirit. Perform exercises to promote the flow of oxygen to the brain.
- Find the right balance between duty and pleasure. In the meantime, you could consider the most valid ways to move forward.
Step 5. Analyze your behavior
Keep track of important information. Try to understand how your behavior and habits can affect certain situations.
- Determine time to spend on repetitive tasks. The time perspective will make it easier for you to plan and organize your day. Don't make too many commitments and learn to say no.
- Find the best ways to save and work less. Record and review receipts and bills. Shop twice a month and stock up.
- Engage in activities that don't involve expenses. Go for a walk instead of watching television.
- Gather the information. Review the tax forms from previous years to make a comparison. Learn to read maps to save on travel time. Learn a new language to use at work or when traveling.
- You may do better in certain areas. If something isn't working as it should, admit it and move on.
Step 6. Limit the purchase of goods that involve a waste of time and money
Sacrifice yourself to achieve something greater.
- Get rid of all unnecessary and unused things. Do not pile up items and do not keep filling the house with junk.
- Buy only what you really need. Buy reliable, multifunctional items that help you save time. Make smarter use of the resources at your disposal.
- Take care of the items you own, to avoid having to buy them again.
Step 7. Get organized
Make each item in its place and easy to clean.
- Find a place for everything. Hang your coat and bag on the hanger. Put the dishes back in the cupboard.
- Put it all away. You will have fewer things to dust and fewer objects to move when you sweep or vacuum.
- When you clear the house, you clear your mind.
Step 8. Stop worrying
- Focus on the important things. Trust your plans and don't give up.
- Try something new and innovative. Do your best and be kind to yourself. Nobody's perfect.
- Try to have faith in your decisions. Be proud of your work.
- Culture allows you to integrate more easily. Share your knowledge and skills.
Step 9. Enjoy your free time
Do the activities you've always wanted to do. Learn something new. Live an adventure
Advice
- Abraham Lincoln said: "If I had six hours to cut down a tree, I would use four hours to sharpen the hatchet."
- Don't waste your time doing things the wrong way again.
- Keep your time with a chess clock.
- Give yourself breaks at the right time, otherwise you will waste time remembering what you did before.
Warnings
- Avoid the risks. Take all necessary safety measures when using machinery. Focus on what you are doing.
- Beware of senseless purchases.
