How to Save Time for the Things You Really Care About

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

distractions - Image by Mooganic

If you want to save time for the important things in your life, the first thing you MUST do is eliminate unnecessary distractions.
Step 2

When you get distracted, you not only lose the time that is spent on the distraction, but you also lose the time it takes you to recollect and refocus your efforts on your REAL task. For example, a 5-minute distraction to check your email could easily cost you 15 minutes by the time you have regained your focus on the task at hand.
Step 3

There are several things you can do to eliminate distractions. Some ideas are listed below.
Step 4

If you work in the office, wear headphones while you work. Listen to music if you can do it without distraction, but if not, then just keep the headphones on sans music; the headphones will send a clear message to coworkers that you are busy and should not be disturbed.
Step 5

If you work at home, set up a home office and actually do your work there. Your home office should be free from unwanted noise and distractions. Working in a quiet home office gives you refuge from distractions such as television, video games, and household chores.
Step 6

Take breaks, but not too frequently. Breaks are good for your productivity, but only if used sparingly and appropriately. Taking a break every 30 minutes is a little excessive, but if you take a short break every 1 to 2 hours, it will probably allow you to recollect and ultimately boost your productivity.
Step 7

saving time on social networks - Image by M. Keefe

If you want to save time for the things you love, then you must carefully manage your social network usage.
Step 8

Social networks are beneficial in many ways, but they also introduce many risks in regards to time management. I believe it's a good idea to be involved in social networks, but you must be aware of the quality and quantity of time spent there.
Step 9

Below, I've provided some tips for managing your time while using various social networks.
Step 10

For Facebook: When somebody sends you an invitation for a hot, new application, it's probably not a good idea to accept. While there are some useful Facebook applications, the vast majority of them are mindless timesinks with no real benefit.
Step 11

For Myspace: If most or all of your Myspace friends are on Facebook, which is the case for me, I would advise that you don't even use Myspace at all. In comparison to Facebook, it's slower and less intuitive to use, and for me, is just a total waste of time.
Step 12

For Twitter: Take advantage of device updates. Choose your favorite 5 or 10 twitterers and turn on device updates for those users. Use your mobile phone or device to access Twitter and ONLY access the actual website for administrative purposes. You'll still get updates on your favorite people without all the noise.
Step 13

save time by using RSS - Image by Robert Scoble

In order to save time for the things you really care about, you must also use subscriptions to your advantage.
Step 14

The Internet gives you several options for subscribing to your favorite content. My favorite option is RSS, but there are also email newsletters for those people who prefer the simplicity and reliability of standard email.
Step 15

If you prefer RSS feeds, I suggest you use Google Reader. Choose your favorite 10 or 20 blogs and subscribe to them via RSS. Cut out all the rest. Allow yourself X number of minutes per day to read and comment on your RSS updates. Don't allow yourself to exceed this limit.
Step 16

If you prefer email newsletters, there are still some ways you can free up some time. Make a daily or weekly habit of cleaning out your inbox. Make sure to unsubscribe from any newsletters that you are no longer interested in. Set up spam filters.
Step 17

save time by prioritizing - Image by cote

If all of the above fails to meet your needs, then the only thing left is to prioritize your wants and needs.
Step 18

Sometimes there just simply isn't enough time to do all the things we want to do. It sucks, but it's true. In these cases, we must make a sacrifice so that we give up something we like, in order to do things that we REALLY like.
Step 19

As an example, I like riding motorcycles and flying planes. Unfortunately, flying lessons are expensive. Therefore, I'm soon going to sell my motorcycle, one of my most prized possessions, so that I will have enough money to fly. Obviously, this isn't ideal, but sometimes we just have to do things that aren't exactly pleasant in order to meet our goals.
Step 20

If you follow these steps carefully, I'm sure you will find that you have more time for the things you really enjoy. It worked for me and I know it can work for you!