‘Whoa! What do you mean: limit time?’
‘That’s the problem. I don’t have enough time.’
I hear you! It seems counter intuitive, doesn’t it?
But the fact is, it’s true.
You are more productive when you have less time to achieve a task.
This is why many people get more done with a looming deadline!
Why? Because time is running out!
People stop procrastinating, focus, prioritise and take action.
The problem is many people wait for a deadline and then are stressed out.
They don’t have time to check and polish their work before it’s out there.
But if we control time ourselves and allocate specific time to tasks, then we can finish ahead of time.
Then we get a lovely dopamine hit, the reward hormone, for completing something important.
This gives us further incentive to get more done ahead of time.
We can calmly check and polish our work and the quality is enhanced.
The end result? Confidence, clarity and control.
One of the best ways to limit time is NOT to take work home.
Get the work done in the time allocated for the work day.
Especially if you work from a home office. Walk out and shut the door!
Whether you are a business owner or an employee, if you want more productivity, take the weekends off and stop work at a decent time in the evening.
Ok I get it! This seems impossible!
But it’s not.
When you actually have a personal life you will be far more productive because you need to get the work done at work.
This means you stop procrastinating, focus, prioritise and take action.
Everything that increases productivity.
So yes, you are spending less time at work but you are getting more done and being strategic.
Instead of an endless to do list, you prioritise, delegate and communicate.
But don’t take my word for it.
Last year I introduced Andrew Banks of Shark Tank fame and one of Australia’s richest business people.
He is rare in the business world because he also has a successful 44 year relationship with his wife and is close to both his adult children.
When he was asked how he did it, he said:
‘When I wanted to create Morgan and Banks I knew it would take a great deal of work and I had 2 small children.
So I discussed it with my wife and we decided that from Monday to Thursday I would work from 7am to 7pm.
Then I would take Friday, Saturday and Sunday off work and dedicate those days completely to my family.
On Sunday evening when the kids were in bed I would plan for my week.’
It is certainly a formula that worked for him, his wife and his family.
And during that time his business rocked up $900 million in sales with 17% market share.
He then merged it with a US giant and in just 3 years time the company reached the $6 billion mark.
He was responsible for more than 50 new acquisitions and 4,500 staff in 32 countries.
And he did it all working 4 days a week. Pretty impressive!
But really he was able to be so successful BECAUSE of the limitation of time!
It created focus, priority and action as well as delegation to his team, who he nurtured and trusted.
The time with his family reduced stress, created connection and gave his mind time-out, so he was rejuvenated and ready to start his week with fresh eyes.
I have seen this type of success strategy work over and over again.
Those who diligently choose a work/life balance are far more productive than those who don’t and choose workaholic behaviour.
Not to mention they are happier, more loving and fulfilled.
Rest, sleep and social time are now proven to increase longevity, happiness and productivity.
So start with these 3 simple steps:
1. Ensure you take at least Sundays off every week and build up to a full weekend (or day/s in leu, if that is prime time in your business).
2. Get off the computer at a decent time at night so you can sleep better.
3. Spend time with loved ones: spouse (partner), family, friends, pets etc.
You will find it easier to see the big picture of what is important, make outstanding decisions and be productive!
Big hugs Pip
PS If you would like to find other ways to be productive, have positive mindset and emotional intelligence then come to my free 1 Day Event the 22 Principles of Success, Love and Happiness.
The last one for the year is on in Brisbane 21 July 2019 CLICK HERE to see more.
