Slow Down and Get More Done in Less Time

Slow down to accomplish more in less time.

Do you have a sense of being anxious and overwhelmed? I think you are pushing yourself a little too hard, if that is the case. Your energy levels drop and you lose satisfaction when you are constantly on the go. Your time is spent checking off items on a to-do list rather than doing things that matter.

It is time to start getting things done more quickly and easily. Next time you feel the need to rush, keep these three suggestions in mind.

Less is more.

1. Establish priorities. Determine your concept of success. Invest as much time and effort as possible in the things that are most important to you. Reduce the number of commitments you make that are unrelated to your goals. Learn how to politely decline invitations to social events.

2. Make a timetable. Be realistic about how much you can get done in a single day. If you routinely fall behind schedule, keep track of how long some of your routine tasks actually take. Schedule your time and allow yourself a cushion between engagements.

3. Modify your expectations. Understand when "good enough" is sufficient. You may want to aim for an A plus when it comes to parenting, but you can deal with a B minus when it comes to car washing.

Keep a Sharp Eye

1. Make a daily plan. Understand where your time is going. Instead of wandering from one external demand to the next, act carefully.

2. Stay in the current moment. Give your undivided focus to what you are doing right now. Turn off your phone and resist the temptation to check for texts. Take in your surroundings and enjoy your adventures.

3. Keep your goal in mind. Remind yourself of the logic behind your choices to reawaken your excitement. Is it possible for you to aid people because of your job? Do you enjoy volunteering for a good cause or spending time with your friends?

4. Exercise. A healthy body helps to support a healthy mind. Make time in your schedule to exercise on a regular basis. Increase your physical activity throughout the day. You will feel more energized and alert.

5. Take a break and unwind. Pacing yourself can be helped by a few minutes of meditation, stretching, or repeating affirmations. Learn to be at ease with taking a rest.

Seek assistance.

1. Distribute responsibilities. Sharing household duties is beneficial to both your marriage and your children. Discuss with your partner how you can work together to complement each other's abilities. Recognize your children for taking on age-appropriate chores. Even little children can arrange the table and put their toys away.

2. Try to be a decent neighbor. Each family on the block could buy and maintain a snow blower, or you could pool your resources to share one so that preparing for an occasional blizzard takes less time and money. Join a neighborhood committee or look for apps that assist busy neighbors in supporting one another.

3. Speak with an expert. You might want to employ someone who can clean your house or repair your dish washer faster than you can. If you prefer to do things on your own, you can still seek assistance on time-saving tactics and suggestions.

4. Follow up. Perhaps you already have family and friends who have offered to help you when you need it. Accept their kindness rather than sticking to your pride or feeling obligated to do it all on your own. Prepare to repay the favor.

5. Be precise. It pays to be specific wherever you seek assistance. Inform others about your requirements.

Slow down to accomplish more. Instead of speeding up when you are under pressure, modify your strategy. Take a few deep breaths and thank your lucky stars. Your to-do list will appear less intimidating, and you will be more productive.