How I Manage My Time - 10 Time Management Tips

- After extensive reading on productivity and time management, the speaker shares 10 practical tips that have significantly improved their own efficiency. - These tips are still actively used by the speaker in their daily life.

The key message of this chapter is that we have complete control over our time. The speaker shares a realization that changed their life - they used to believe they didn't have enough time, but then realized that at any given moment, they are doing what they most want to be doing. This empowered them and made them realize that their time is entirely within their control. They emphasize the importance of recognizing this fact in order to effectively manage our own time.

'Hell Yeah Or No' is the title of a book by Derek Sivers. It suggests that when we have limited opportunities, it's important to say yes to most things. However, as we become busier and receive more offers, we should adopt a 'hell yeah or no' mindset. This means that if something doesn't excite us enough to say 'hell yeah,' then our default response should be no.

"Make Time" by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky introduces the concept of the daily highlight. This principle involves choosing one important task to focus on each day. By setting a daily highlight, individuals are more likely to accomplish their goals and feel satisfied at the end of the day.

Tip number four for time management is to use a physical to-do list. It doesn't matter what system you use, but the general principle of productivity is that our brain is for having ideas, not holding them. By writing down tasks and crossing them off with a pen throughout the day, we can better manage our time and increase productivity.

Time blocking is a time management technique where you schedule specific tasks in your calendar. Elon Musk is known for using this method consistently. While I don't use it for everything, I always schedule my daily highlight, which is the most important task of the day. By combining time blocking with prioritization, we ensure that our essential tasks are always completed.

Principle number six is related to Parkinson's Law, which states that work expands to fill the time allocated for it. By setting artificial deadlines and limiting the time available for a task, we can increase productivity. For example, when filming a YouTube video, if we give ourselves an entire day to do it, it will likely take all day. However, if we only allocate half an hour or an hour and fill our day with other tasks, we are more likely to complete the video within that shorter timeframe.

Having protected time is crucial for maximizing productivity. As an entrepreneur, it's easy to get caught up in a busy schedule filled with Zoom calls and obligations. By keeping my mornings free of any commitments, I have uninterrupted time to focus on important tasks. Whether it's working on my book or planning for the future, this dedicated time allows me to move forward in my work career. It also provides flexibility to relax or engage in activities that bring me joy.

"Delegate" is often associated with hiring someone, but it's more about the worth of your time. Determine the dollar value of your time and delegate tasks that cost less than that amount. For example, outsourcing cleaning or data entry frees up time for higher-value activities in business and life.

"Tip number nine for time management is to try and automate scheduling as much as possible." The speaker shares their experience of wasting a lot of time in back-and-forth emails trying to schedule meetings. They discovered an app called Calendly, which allows them to send a link with their availability for others to book a slot in their calendar. This has saved them valuable time and made it easier to catch up with friends.

"I can choose to be satisfied at the end of the day." Despite being a productivity nerd, it's easy to feel dissatisfied with what we've accomplished. But beating ourselves up about it doesn't change anything. Instead, we can choose to feel good about how we've managed our time.