How to Stay on Task and Stop Wasting Time

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE  |  erinlove@panachebyerin.com

As a mom, wife, daughter, business owner, friend, PTO member, substitute teacher, and pet owner, just to name a few, I never can get everything done and in a way that makes me happy and whole.  I know that I want to change and the only way I can do that is to really focus and implement the tools and tricks that I already have and know.  It will take some adjustment, but I hope you will join me on this endeavor. 

1.  Turn your ringer off!  The number one tip that I have already started to implement into my routine is to periodically silence my cell phone.  For instance, during dinner with my family there is no cell phone use.  When I am writing an article, such as during this moment, I turn the ringer of my cell phone off so there are no distractions.  When are your most important times and how can you implement this tip?

2.  Clean and organize your most used space(s).  Whether it is your desk, your vehicle, and/or your kitchen, nothing wastes more time than having to search for an item that has disappeared into a cluttered pile.  Make sure you take the time to clear and organize your spaces.  You will immediately feel and see the difference it makes in your schedule.  

3.  Keep a notebook handy.  While you are focused on one action there is bound to be something that pops in your head that you need to do or remember.  Acknowledge the thought and get it out of your head by immediately writing it down in a notebook.  Then you can refer back to the notebook when your current task has been completed.  

4.  Take a break.  If possible, take a break between each task.  This will keep you motivated and deter burnout.  I like to take a quick walk or simply fix a cup of tea or coffee to enjoy for ten minutes.  It’s all about focusing on the break, though!  Everything you do should come with focus.  Try not to think of anything else but the task at hand.  I know this is hard, but it can be done.  It just takes practice.  For instance, if you are playing with your children, that should be the only thing you are focused on in that moment.  Just set realistic timers for moving on to the next task.

5.  Delegate!  I will admit that this one is hard for me.   I feel like I need to be the one to do it if I want it to be done right.  (Yes!  I am one of those people.)  However, a lot of tasks are menial and can and should be delegated to make the best use of your time.  Take note of which tasks you may can delegate.  When I have been brave enough to do this, it frees up my mind and schedule.

6.  Track your time.  A good way to see where you time is actually going is to keep track of what you are doing hour to hour.  It will help you to see where the bulk of your time is being wasted, so you can preempt it before it happens next time.  I bet you will find that you spend too much time scrolling social media, for instance.  

7.  Batch similar tasks.  In other words, run all of your errands while you are out and about instead of making multiple trips or pay all bills at a certain time each week.  Not only will this save time it will also save brain cells!  Haha!

8. Stop multitasking!  Multitasking is one of the biggest time wasters there is.  You can’t do two, or more, things at one time and do them well.  Focus on one task at a time and then move on to the next task.   This one is easier said than done, but I have to say it.  

9.  Prioritize.  I suggest making a to-do list each morning and grouping items into three different categories – must, need, and want.  Obviously, the must do tasks should be the first things you complete followed by the need and the want.  I have started to make at least one of the wants happen.  For instance, one of my wants on Sundays is to read and enjoy a cup, or two, of coffee.  I usually make it the first thing I do instead of saving it for last! 

10.  Discover your “prime time.”  Are you a morning person or do you seem to get more done in the evening?  I used to be a night owl, but kids can quickly turn that around!  Now, my prime time is early morning or early afternoon.    

Please hold me accountable to this list and I will try to do the same for you!  If you’d like to get in touch with me please email me at erinlove@panachebyerin.com.