I was fourteen when I first thought, "I am busier than I was last year." Every year since then I have had the same thought and, unfortunately, I've been correct each year.
We know we have the same amount of hours in the day as everyone else, so why does it seem like certain people accomplish so much more?
Here are my top tips to becoming the most efficient, well-oiled "you" you can be.
Don't Leave Tasks Behind You
Mom would let out an exasperated sigh every time I walked by my Playstation controllers on the floor of the living room without picking it up. "You're walking right by them, can't you just pick them up?"
If you want to be more efficient, don't leave future you more tasks in your wake. It takes less than ten seconds to put that one pair of shoes on your floor back in the closet. It requires minimal effort to put the cup you used into the dishwasher. Do the small things now so they don't turn into big things later.
Give Yourself a Reason to Be Excited
Research tells us we are 12% more productive if we are happy. Before you fall asleep tonight, remind yourself of one thing you're excited about for tomorrow. A reason to get out of bed each day can kickstart our efficiency.
Take Care of Yourself
If you feel like you're running on fumes, barely making it to the end of the day before collapsing into bed again, it's possible you've been neglecting caring for the most important person in your life: you. It sounds selfish, but if you don't care for yourself, eventually you'll be incapable of caring for others.
Go on more walks, drink more water, listen to more music, look at more art, call your friends more often. Self-care leads to an efficient self.
Action
Choose one of the three tips and try it out today.
Question
What is your biggest motivation for being more efficient?
Quote
“Ordinary people think merely of spending time, great people think of using it.” - Arthur Schopenhauer