How to Free Up More Time in Your Day

Question: Do you ever find yourself thinking, "I wish I had more time in the day"? 

It's a common complaint in our fast-paced world, but what if I told you that you might be able to have more time than you realize and that I can give you a free gift to assist?

I have found that a key to unlocking this hidden treasure lies in conducting a time study, and I will show you how simple and effective this is for gaining back more time in your day in order to do the things most important to you. This works like a champ! Using a free resource I will share, here’s how…

The Time Study Technique

To start, you'll need a simple alarm or timer. Your phone or watch will work best. Set it to go off every 15 minutes throughout your day. When the alarm sounds, pause for just long enough to jot down what you're doing at that exact moment. Use general terms like eating, commuting, scrolling instagram, mowing the lawn, business meeting, etc.

Repeat this process for 3 to 5 days. You'll be amazed at what you discover!

Categorize Your Time

At the end of the 3-5 day time study, it’s now time to categorize your time into different activities. This will help you see where your precious hours are going. Some suggestions for category ideas are:

1. Sleep: The foundation of your well-being. Are you getting enough restorative sleep?
2. Physical Activity: How much time do you spend on exercise and movement each day?
3. Food: This includes eating, cooking, and grocery shopping. Are you fueling your body with care?
4. Actual Work: The time dedicated to your job or main income producing activity if you are self employed.
5. Busy Work: Tasks that feel important but might not contribute much to your goals (organizing, meetings, etc.).
6. Electronics: TV, social media, and video games. How much screen time are you accumulating?
7. Miscellaneous: Errands and household chores. Can you streamline these tasks?
8. Quiet Time: Moments of relaxation, meditation, journaling, or prayer.
9. Education: Time spent learning and self-improvement.
10. Commuting: How much of your day is devoted to getting from one place to another?
11. Socializing: Both phone calls and in-person events. Are you nurturing relationships?

Uncover Surprises

As you track your time, you'll likely uncover surprises. You may realize that you spend more time on electronic devices than you thought or that you have moments of quiet reflection you weren't fully aware of. Armed with this newfound knowledge, you can make conscious choices to prioritize what truly matters to you.

By conducting a time study, you'll reveal the hidden pockets of time in your day that can be reclaimed and used more efficiently. Remember, time is a valuable resource, and with a little awareness and intention, you can make the most of every moment. Don't let time slip through your fingers; harness it to create a life that aligns with your priorities and the life you were created for.

If you’d like to receive a google doc that can assist you with this project, click here.