I have three ideas for you if you want to get more done in a day. And remember, it’s not just about listening or taking notes but implementing what you learn, whether it’s from a podcast, webinar, course, training, or book, your action matters.
Strategy #1: Have a plan, don’t wing it
There are two types of people in the world: those who wing it and those who are proactive. Reactive people take life as it comes, while proactive people get more done. So, it’s crucial to have a plan. One tool that can help with this is Grant Cardone’s 10X Planner, which I love and use. But the key to having a plan is knowing what you need to do. Live intentionally and create an ongoing list of tasks or goals on your phone. Capture ideas as they come to you and add them to your list. When you make your plan, you can choose from your list to prioritize what goes on your schedule.
Strategy #2: Don’t over plan your day
Before you plan your day, consider how many hours you’ll be working. Subtract the hours already allocated to your plan, such as meetings or appointments. Whatever time is left, schedule time for essential activities like meditation, exercise, and learning. Don’t rely on hope; block off time on your calendar for these activities. When you have a clear picture of your available time, refer to your list and choose tasks to fill those empty slots. It’s important to allow your schedule to breathe by not scheduling every minute of every hour. Instead, schedule tasks in 45 or 50-minute chunks, and take short breaks to refresh yourself.
Strategy #3: Be open to adjusting your plan
Life happens, and it’s not a matter of if but when. When unexpected events occur, it’s crucial not to react too quickly unless it’s an emergency. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and review the situation. How can you move forward from this point? Is there a lesson to be learned? Stay as calm as possible, even in the face of emergencies. I remember when my wife broke her arm unexpectedly, and it completely disrupted my plans for weeks. Life will inevitably throw curveballs at you. When it does, take a moment to make rational decisions instead of knee-jerk reactions.
In conclusion, to boost your productivity, have a plan, be mindful of your time, and be flexible when unexpected events occur. Implementing these strategies can help you get more done in a day and maximize your time. Remember, it’s not just about consuming information but taking action to achieve your goals.