In the article “7 Tricks That Save me 16.3 Hours Per Week” by Carl Pullein, you will find a collection of time-saving tricks aimed at increasing productivity and efficiency. Carl shares these tricks in a video, and they have helped him save a remarkable 16.3 hours per week. One of the key strategies he suggests is changing your default response to new commitments from “yes” to “no” in order to prioritize and manage your time effectively. He also advises chunking similar tasks together to prevent task switching and improve efficiency. By limiting communication channels and reducing availability, you can save time and minimize interruptions. Eating the same foods regularly can also save time on meal planning and shopping. Additionally, making decisions about the two most important tasks for the next day before ending the current day can save time and eliminate decision-making in the morning. The article provides various other strategies and resources to help you save time and improve your time management skills.
Trick 1: Change the default response to new commitments
One of the most effective ways to prioritize and manage time is to change your default response to new commitments from “yes” to “no.” Many of us have a natural instinct to say yes to every request that comes our way in order to please others or avoid disappointment. However, constantly agreeing to new commitments can be a major drain on our time.
By switching your default response to no, you raise the bar for what you agree to do. This means that you will be saying no to a lot more commitments, freeing up your time for things that truly matter to you. While it may be difficult at first to say no, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to say yes to every request. By setting boundaries and only committing to things that align with your priorities, you can regain control of your time and focus on what truly matters to you.
Trick 2: Chunk similar tasks together
Task switching can be a significant productivity killer. Going back and forth between different tasks not only takes up time but also hampers our ability to concentrate and be efficient. To prevent task switching and improve productivity, try chunking similar tasks together.
For example, if you have a bunch of emails to respond to, designate a specific block of time to tackle them all at once. Rather than constantly checking your inbox throughout the day and responding to emails as they come in, set aside dedicated time to focus solely on email communication. This allows you to be in the right mindset and work more efficiently, ultimately saving you time.
The same principle applies to other types of tasks, such as administrative work or phone calls. By grouping similar tasks together, you can minimize distractions, maintain focus, and complete them more quickly. This simple trick can significantly improve your efficiency and help you make the most of your time.
Trick 3: Limit communication channels and reduce availability
In today’s digital age, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the numerous communication channels available to us. From social media platforms to messaging apps, the constant influx of notifications can be a major time drain. To save time and minimize interruptions, consider limiting the number of communication channels you use and reducing your availability.
Having too many platforms through which people can contact you can lead to constant distractions and interruptions. By streamlining your communication channels, such as focusing on email as your primary means of contact, you can regain control over your time. Set clear expectations with others about how and when they can reach you, and consider designating specific times during the day for checking and responding to messages.
In addition, don’t be afraid to create boundaries and make it difficult for people to reach you. Just like having a gatekeeper to filter out unnecessary requests, you can take steps to reduce your availability. This doesn’t mean you have to completely isolate yourself, but it allows you to have focused, uninterrupted time for deep work and concentration.
Trick 4: Eat the same foods regularly
Meal planning and grocery shopping can be time-consuming tasks, especially if you constantly have to decide what to eat. One time-saving trick is to eat the same foods regularly. While this may not be suitable for everyone, it can significantly reduce the time spent on meal planning and shopping.
By having a set menu of meals that you rotate throughout the week, you eliminate the need to spend time thinking about what to cook or buy. You can create a simple, nutritious meal plan that suits your preferences and dietary needs, making grocery shopping more efficient. Knowing exactly what you need to buy saves you from wandering aimlessly through the supermarket, saving you valuable time.
Of course, it’s essential to strike a balance between efficiency and enjoyment when it comes to food. If variety and trying new things are important to you, you can still incorporate those elements into your routine. The key is to find a balance that works for you and reduces the time and mental energy spent on meal-related decisions.
Trick 5: Make decisions about the two most important tasks for the next day
Decision fatigue is a real productivity killer. The more decisions we have to make throughout the day, the more mentally drained we become. To save time and eliminate decision-making in the morning, make a conscious effort to decide on the two most important tasks for the next day before ending your current day.
By taking a few minutes to think about and prioritize your tasks in advance, you can hit the ground running in the morning. This prevents you from wasting valuable time and mental energy trying to figure out what needs to be done and in what order. When you have a clear plan in place, you can jump right into your most important tasks and start making progress.
Additionally, making these decisions the night before allows your subconscious mind to work on them while you sleep. You may find that you wake up with fresh ideas and solutions, ready to tackle the tasks at hand. By eliminating decision fatigue and starting your day with purpose, you can maximize your productivity and make the most of your time.
Trick 6: Focus on processes instead of treating tasks as projects
Many people fall into the trap of treating every task as a project, complete with detailed planning and decision-making. While this approach may work for some tasks, it can often lead to unnecessary time and energy expenditure. A more efficient approach is to focus on processes instead.
Instead of spending excessive time planning and strategizing for each individual task, develop processes and systems that streamline your workflow. By creating a set of predefined steps and guidelines for recurring tasks, you can eliminate the need for constant decision-making and planning. This allows you to work more efficiently and spend less time on low-value activities.
For example, if you frequently write blog posts, develop a process that includes outlining, drafting, editing, and publishing. By following the same process each time, you can eliminate the need to think about the exact steps and instead focus on the content creation itself. This shift in mindset from task-focused to process-focused can save you significant time and mental energy.
Trick 7: Additional resources for time management
In addition to the tricks mentioned above, there are also various resources available to further enhance your time management skills. Consider exploring a time management course or seeking guidance from content creators who specialize in productivity and efficiency.
Taking a time management course can provide you with in-depth strategies and techniques tailored specifically to improving your time management skills. These courses often cover topics such as goal setting, prioritization, organization, and productivity hacks. By investing time in learning and implementing these strategies, you can unlock even more time-saving potential.
Content creators who focus on productivity and time management can also offer valuable insights and tips. Whether through their videos, articles, or social media content, they often share proven techniques and personal experiences that can inspire and motivate you on your own time-saving journey. Connecting with these creators can provide a sense of community and support, allowing you to learn from others and stay accountable.
In conclusion, implementing these seven time-saving tricks can make a significant difference in your daily life. By changing your default response to new commitments, chunking similar tasks together, limiting communication channels, eating the same foods regularly, making proactive decisions about important tasks, focusing on processes, and utilizing additional resources, you can reclaim valuable time and increase your productivity and efficiency. Remember, these tricks may require some adjustment and experimentation to find what works best for you. However, by adopting a proactive and intentional approach to managing your time, you can save hours each week and achieve a better work-life balance.
