Do more things with less time

How do I describe the times? I say, this generation is a time-starved generation where every single precious minute has to be carefully planned or people will fall into the “lack-of-time” sickness trap. There’s just too many things that need to be done, but with so little time available.

Let me share with you ideas that have worked for me as far as making the best use of time is concerned. I do hundreds of talks and seminars a year, the venues of which are spread out all over the country and abroad as well. Here are some things I practice to help me manage my seminar schedules. I hope you find these useful as well.

1. PREPARE YOUR CLOTHES THE NIGHT BEFORE.

Deciding on an outfit in the morning when you are in a hurry to rush to the office actually requires more time. And when you’re not confident with the clothes you’ve chosen, when you feel that the colors do not match, or you’ve settled for something because you couldn’t find the particular piece of garment you really wanted to wear, you end up stressed.

And while we are on the topic of clothes, you might want to prepare a selection of outfits specifically for special occasions. These are clothes that make you feel confident and fabulous.

The right clothes increase our confidence. When we are confident, we work better. Unless you’re Popeye’s girlfriend Olive Oil, who doesn’t have a problem choosing what to wear for the day because her closet is full of the same clothes, learn to plan the day’s outfit the night before. Yes, including your underwear.

Speaking of clothes…

2. ORGANIZE YOUR CLOSETS AND DRAWERS.

You don’t need to color code your clothing like many OCs I know. I am the exact opposite of Obsessive Compulsives or OC’s; I am messy! But I do organize my closets and drawers according to the way I think. Some people think in terms of garments when they get dressed; others think more by occasion, like work clothes, weekend clothes, dress-up clothes. How about you, how do you prefer to organize your closets? This really saves you a lot of time thinking.

3. MANAGE YOUR TECHNOLOGY HABITS.

Don’t live in denial. There are many people who mindlessly go about their social network habits thinking they’re putting time to good use. They check their email every 10 seconds. They practically live in their Facebook world, farming or building a cafe. Then there are those who use cell phones as a procrastination device.

In reality, such habits take up a lot of precious time away from things more substantial. Things like, you know…letting the kids know you’re alive or letting the spouse know you care.

Eliminate such habits, and you’ll save some precious hours each a day.

Don’t even check your email in your first hour at work. Work on the important things first, and declare that you are in control, not technology.

4. CURB YOUR TV VIEWING HOURS.

Many people spend hours watching TV or DVD movies. This is one major time-consuming activity that robs them of being able to do more productive things. Substitute screens with books. If you have to surf the Net, make sure you’re surfing for information that adds value to your work life and personal life.

5. DO QUIET TIME.

Many people miss this. As for me, the first quality hour of my day is spent doing quiet time – a time to pray and meditate on Scriptures. Talking to God and hearing Him talk. This builds my internal strength which I need to deal with the challenges of the day. This also affords me quality “think-time”. My best usually comes after my quiet time.

Meanwhile, hugging the kids, sharing stories with them, enjoying dinner with the family – these are not time wasters. These are the reasons why we want to manage our time well. After all, the way we spend our time is the way we live our life. Spend your time well and live life well.

(Send “Inspire” to 288 for Smart or Sun subscribers and 2889 for Globe to receive your daily inspirational quotes and thoughts from Francis. Visit facebook.com/franciskong 2 for more details.) –Francis J. Kong (The Philippine Star)