5 Habits That Keep You From Making The Most Of Your Time

So many things to do, so little time.

I don’t know about you, but it always feels like a million things are competing for my attention.

There’s that urgent email I need to reply to, a file I need to submit by the end of the week, and of course, a movie I’ve been meaning to watch for the past month.

Work-life balance can feel like a pipe dream when everything is just piling up.

Unfortunately, in an effort to get as much done as possible, it can be too easy to resort to counterproductive tactics that actually get in the way of completing your work.

So, see if you’re using any of these 5 habits that actually make you less productive:

1. Doing as many things as possible.

Do you ever see those people who are completely frazzled by trying to do everything under the Sun?

They’re pulling their hair, running from place to place, and barely have time to breathe.

Well, trying to do everything is an indicator that you’re not being discriminate enough on your tasks.

Think of it this way: most things we do in a day have minimal, or little impact. Instead of doing everything you think you need to do, take a step back and evaluate the 2-3 most crucial tasks you need to complete.

2. Just winging it.

I remember back in school when my class had to make speeches, and someone would always say, “I’m just going to wing it!”

Chances are, that person wasn’t performing at the top of the class (or if they were, weren’t actually winging it).

High-achieving people are proactive, rather than reactive. They prepare relentlessly and practice daily so that when the time comes, their performance is flawless.

If you want to excel, don’t wing it. Practice instead.

3. Not giving yourself any free time.

A common misconception is that successful people are working day and night, non-stop. They don’t have time for fun or games.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Creative people and innovators often need spare time in order to explore. By going out and having fun, they can see problems from a different perspective.

If you want to feel refreshed and creative, try taking a break from your work.

4. Skipping lunch.

A friend bragged to me the other day that she had worked for 18 hours a day, non-stop. No eating or naps.

On the other hand, another friend gets adequate sleep and cooks and eats regularly. He has more time and energy for other hobbies.

Skipping meals lowers your energy and concentration levels, so that you get less work done for the hours you put in. It also leads to increased cravings for foods that are quick fixes, like junk food and sweets.

Eat healthy food regularly so that you remain alert and avoid unhealthy cravings.

5. Micromanaging everything.

Micromanagement is a common problem for perfectionists who need everything to be done their way. They tend to hover over other people’s work, and try doing things that could have been done at a more affordable price by someone else.

The worst part about micromanagement is that other people feel smothered and dissatisfied that their work isn’t being respected.

Instead of looking over every single detail, try to focus more on the big picture. Loosen the reins to give others some decision-making power (to a certain extent). It’ll be better for your health and well-being.

What will you do with your time today?

Start making the most of your most precious resource. Click below to grab my free guide:

How To Get Anything You Want

This guide will help you to:

• set and achieve milestones for your goals
• develop a strong mindset to getting the most out of life
• get more things done in a shorter period of time

Ready to bring positive change to your life? Grab your free guide here (it’s free).

I look forward to sharing my secrets with you!

———

Melissa Chu helps people get productive and develop good work habits. You can download the free guide on how to set and achieve your goals.

---

GET THE BOOK BY
ERIN FALCONER!

Erin shows overscheduled, overwhelmed women how to do less so that they can achieve more. Traditional productivity books—written by men—barely touch the tangle of cultural pressures that women feel when facing down a to-do list. How to Get Sh*t Done will teach you how to zero in on the three areas of your life where you want to excel, and then it will show you how to off-load, outsource, or just stop giving a damn about the rest.

ORDER YOURS TODAY!