You’ll Never Have Enough Time
3 ways to make the most of every hour
Last December, I visited relatives I haven’t seen much in 10 years.
We had great conversations. We visited my 102 year old grandmother. We ate at some fine local restaurants.
And as soon as it started, it was over.
We had friends over to play games for a few hours. It was the most fun we’d had all week long. We laughed. We told stories. We hugged.
And just like that, it was over.
The other morning I was writing a post for my client. I was in the zone, plotting what I should say. I looked at the clock. 30 minutes later I’d have to get ready for work.
There is never enough time to do what you love.
Time marches on without your permission
Have you ever heard yourself say:
“I’d write more if I had enough time.”
“I’d make that phone call, but I’ve been so busy lately.”
“I’ll work on that tomorrow. I’m too tired today.”
I’ve heard myself say every one of these things.
The Five Second Rule changed my life and my productivity. Here’s how it works. When you know you need to do something, you just count down from five to one and start.
That tool works great when you use it.
If time is getting away from you, what can you do about it?
First, decide what’s important to you. If it doesn’t matter, you can talk yourself out of it with little effort. Why bother, right?
Second, use strategies that help you make the most of the time you have. If you have some that work for you, I’d love to hear them. If not, I’m about to give you three of mine.
When you talk or speak, have one main point.
You don’t have to make your blog post a mini encyclopedia.
Scientists say goldfish can pay attention longer than we can. Think about that. A fish that lives maybe a few months at best can focus better than you.
What is that they’re doing differently?
Honestly, I have no idea.
I do know this. Attention is precious. So if you want to say something people remember, keep it simple. Say one thing and use the rest of your time to expand and support it. And since you don’t have all the time in the world, you’ll use the time you have to make an impact.
Try to impact one person.
You don’t give speeches at the water cooler.
When you come into work, you probably say hello to each person you pass. You might ask them how they’re doing. You show your interest when you remember their kids’ names and ask how they’re doing in school.
Conversations are customized communication.
If you can touch one person with your story, you might touch another. People in pain often feel alone. Comforting words can make the pain go away, even if for just a moment.
Will you give someone that gift?
Go deep with one topic instead of wide with a thousand.
When people have problems, they look to experts for solutions.
The person who knows a little about a lot makes a great conversationalist. But you don’t want him doing surgery on you.
Go deep into one topic. A blog post is a small space. When you dive into one topic, you’ll dig up insights that lie below the surface. You’ll think more deeply. And you’ll provide answers that skimmers never can.
I can’t promise these strategies will make you an instant millionaire.
They will make you instantly more effective.
That can be worth more than all the time and money in the world.
Use your time wisely. We’re counting on you not to waste ours.
