In a day of endless scrolling on the phone, it is especially important that we be sure we are using our time wisely. Perhaps if we were to set the phone down more and apply ourselves to what actually needs to be done, that would help us well on our way.
It sounds funny to say, but I remember first reading about endless scrolling. It blew my mind and I really didn’t know it was a thing. Fast forward a few years and now I can most definitely identify with it. Whether I’m on social media, news sites, or shopping for product for our stores, I get it now. I’m not knocking the convenience of being able to do so much from our phones, but I do think we could set boundaries for ourselves to make sure that we are making the best use of our time.
Stay Focused
In a world of ten-second videos that seems to breed distraction, it is so important to stay focused. Determine what you are setting out to accomplish and then stay on task. Perhaps you simply need to send a text but when you pick up your phone you have several notifications and reminders.
If you are like me, you use your phone to remind you about different tasks and appointments so these notifications can actually be quite useful. But at the same time, you have to be able to reclaim the mission you first set out on.
Use your brain and be alert. Take note of what you are doing and be intentional. This applies to so many areas of life.
Make A List
Admittedly, I’m developing the skill of making lists. I grew up with many of them and have realized in recent years that I tend to shy away from them. But the truth of the matter is, if I want to make the best use of my time, a plan – aka a list – is the best way to accomplish this.
Humorously, one of the best ways for me to figure out what I need to get done is to try and focus on a task – any task will do. Simply the act of trying to single-mindedly accomplish something sets my brain off with a whole list of what else I need to do. I’m not sure if that’s my subconscious at work or what, but I take advantage of these random thoughts and jot them down. Later, I will come back and group like things together.
When making a list, feel free to write down every little thing. Needing to get fuel, plan your week, writing checks, etc. These things may be routine but the act of writing them down means you can check them off later. And that’s one of the most gratifying things about lists – crossing things off!
Realistic Expectations
Using your time wisely includes realistic expectations. Don’t expect to accomplish work or office things in the evenings while home. And certainly do not expect to have pause and a chance to breathe when you are scheduled to be at work.
Consider where you are before you set goals as to what to accomplish. That being said, you can always have a backup list – as in a in-case–I-get-a–chance type of list. But be flexible with this. Nothing can disappoint a day more than unrealistic expectations when you ought to know better.
Working at a coffee shop brings at least 30 distractions every single day, so I do my best to avoid important office work until after we close. Once in a blue moon however, we’ll have a bit of a quiet spell and I try to make the most of it. If it gets interrupted, c’est la vie. But on the other hand, sometimes it doesn’t and I get to check something else off my list!
In addition to intentionality, using your time wisely requires flexibility and grace. After all, a sweet, lovely attitude is a must for an American Lady!
Get Organized
If you are at all like me, you enjoy downtime, but want to make the most of it. If I don’t plan what to do on my day off, I can catch myself in the above-mentioned endless scroll. But that’s not how I want to spend my time, so I like to create a plan, a list of things that I want to accomplish. Some of these things include “if only I had the time to ___”. Other items are random and just need to get done – be it getting a key cut or submitting paperwork.
Using your time wisely requires intentionality and purposefulness, and when you do, you will get to the end of the day and feel quite satisfied. That’s not to say that you can’t enjoy a day off, completely relaxing or spend a day out and about for the sake of just getting out. There’s nothing I enjoy more than a drive and getting out. But to me, I enjoy it more after accomplishing some items off my list. A bit of a reward for time well spent!
What about you? What helps you use your time wisely? Comment below with your ideas and methods!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2020/08/12/a-time-for-everything/