We are all busy people. In fact, I’m sure you have many things to do today beyond reading this blog post. So, first, thank you!
That said, our time is limited. And, if you’re anything like me, you don’t like when it is unnecessarily wasted. That can be frustrating. The quicker we can get things done, the quicker we can move on to the next task – or enjoy doing things like reading blog posts.
So, today, I share five quick lessons that may help you stop wasting time.
1. Short cuts often lead to dead ends.
Sometimes, in an effort to move things along quickly, we skip steps. We rush into a project without getting all the necessary input. We single check instead of double or triple-check our work. At the time, it seems like a good move. But, more often than not, it requires more work in the long run.
2. Complaining takes time.
There’s nothing that frustrates me more than when someone complains for hours about not having the time to get something done. If, rather than complaining, they actually spent the time doing, there wouldn’t be a problem. (I’m exaggerating a bit here, but you get the idea – and you know what I’m talking about.)
3. Short is sweet.
Whether you are writing an email or crafting a proposal, get to the point. If you believe the details may be needed, provide them in an addendum. Otherwise, not only will you be wasting people’s time (including your own), but they may not even get the message you’re trying to send them (TLDR).
4. Quick reviews slow things down.
I used to be guilty of this one. In order to help move things along, I would do a quick review and provide feedback. Then, when asked to do a final review a few days later, I notice things that I should have caught the first time around. And then, more rounds of revisions are required. I’ve learned.
5. Computers/paper have better memory than humans.
Maybe I’m just getting old, but my memory is terrible. If I don’t write it down, I end up wasting time (mine and other’s) getting information I should already have. When you write it down, not only will you remember it (and have it handy to recall), but you can easily share it with others who may need it – without wasting time telling them all about it, or debating with them about what may have been said in the meeting.
I hope you found this post valuable and that the time you gain from it is greater than the time you lost reading it. If you did, please take a moment to share this with your friends. If you didn’t, then get back to work.
Have a great day!
Jeff Freedman
CEO/Managing Partner
Small Army | Finn Partners