Thank you Sam's Club for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts, opinions, and experiences are my own.
Finding extra hours in your day is essential. At least it is for me, so I'm assuming it's important to all the other #adulting confused millennials out there. As a full time entrepreneur, I wear a lot of hats. Between writing for my blog and contributing to Forbes, taking and editing photos, pitching brands, marketing all of said content, consulting with brands for their own millennial target campaigns, public speaking, and working 1-1 with aspiring bloggers and coaches, you could say my hands are a little full. Even with all these hats, I still find time to go to the beach almost every single day, watch 6-10 hours of television, and hang with my pup and the hubs (there's a reason I write about work-life balance on Forbes).
With all of that said, I need to find ways to create extra hours in my day all the time.
3 Ways To Find Extra Hours In Your Day:
Multi-task (when it makes sense).
Okay, okay, I knowww all the research basically says multi-tasking is is basically Lucifer reeking havoc on your productivity, but hear me out. If you can multi-task when it makes sense, then you need to do it.
For example: In the past, I've shared how I stay motivated and on top of all the things, and break down my schedule. A schedule that includes watching The Today Show from 7 to 10 or 11 every morning and The Ellen Show on repeating from 3 to 4 then again from 4 to 5. That right there accounts for at least 5 hours of television watching every day. However, I am not just watching television, during the morning, I am working on content promotion, social media, and emails. During the afternoon, I am working on those things or working out or snuggling with the pup while watching Ellen. In other words, healthy multi-tasking. I am lumping low value (meaning low focus/energy exertion) tasks together to create a balance that works for me.
Multi-tasking becomes harmful when you are switching tasks often. That's where you lose productivity. If I am writing a blog post, then getting distracted by an email, then a text, then go back to writing, then get distracted by something on social… well you get the point. It's a vicious cycle that's a productivity suck. Task switching is totally different than cognitive role transitions, which can actually be the key to a healthy multi-task.
Plan. Schedule. Repeat.
I know everyone boasts about pre-planning and scheduling when talking about finding more hours in your day, so I won't bore you with the normal. Instead, I want you to think outside of the box when it comes to planning and scheduling your life. Figure out what “chores” you have to get done in a given week and figure out how you can cut time or energy from them.
For example, if you've ever been to a big box store (like Sam's Club), you know what a major time suck it can be! I always get distracted by the fun goodies up front, and then the expansive aisles leave me wondering if I'm forgetting anything. Often times, I find myself running back to get that one item I just remember but can't find. Seriously, I can spend forever looking at all the things and debating whether or not I need them.
Fun? yes.
Good for my schedule? Absolutely not.
Sam's Club now offers Club Pick-Up! I can place my order on-line. Go to the store, find the kiosk, enter my order number, and pick it up at member services! Easy peasy!
If you have a Sam's Club near you, I would definitely recommend signing up to save time! Plus if you sign up here you get a $20 gift card and $20 Instant Savings Book (coupon book) package!
In addition to finding awesome services like Club Pick Up, consider delegation. As a business owner, it can be hard to know when to hire out or delegate, so a good general rule of them is to determine how much delegating would cost you ($10 per hour for example), and how much you value your 1 hour of time (i.e. could be earning or setting up revenue generating opportunities in that hour).
Identify “Waiting” Tasks
Business owners know that awkward 10-15 minute period before a meeting or waiting for an appointment. Some use this time to prep for said meeting/appointment, but I never can do that. By nature, I am not typically a procrastinator, so if I am reviewing notes just before a meeting it actually can give me more anxiety. I read through my bullet points of things I want to accomplish, but that generally takes five minutes.
Identify what tasks you can do while waiting, that you can easily pick up and put down, and won't cause any unexpected stress. For example, clearing out the “promotion” or “social” folders in email (not your actual email!), engage on social media (only if it's not a stress trigger for you), use the meditation app on your phone, send a quick thoughtful message to someone in your personal life. A general misconception about work-life balance means the two are segregated, but in reality, the two co-exist. Balance comes from creating time for all the things that fuel your soul, and those 5-10 minute gaps are a great time to feed it.
Practices these three things really give me so much more time in the day. I can tackle all the different roles I play in my business, while still doing stuff like hanging out with my pup and the hubs. Nothing is better than having the freedom to be productive and focus on things that matter. I know some people say work life balance is a unicorn, but take it from me, it's not. It's totally achievable if you figure out what tasks you place value on and utilize these time saving tasks!
Have you used Sam's Club pick-up? Or
Do you have any time saving tasks that help you find extra hours in the day? Share them in the comments!
Yet another great post, Rachel! I love your tip about making the most out of “waiting time.”
Ok yes. I need this. I need about 24 more hours in my day, so perfect. The waiting tasks thing is one of my FAV tricks!
So very helpful! I seriously neeeeeeded this in the worst way!
I loved all of these tips. I found them really helpful.
I saved this one, I’m going to need it, thank you!!
I haven’t used Sams Club, but I have used Walmart’s pickup and it’s so fantastic!
hahaha YAS I’m a HUGE fan of both the Today Show AND Ellen ! 😉
I always try and tackle small blog tasks or other “waiting” tasks during those awkward 15 mins breaks throughout the day! Cheers to productivity!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Umm we need to try this. We go to sams every weekend! Also I am all about schedules and planning
I can’t say I shop at Sam’s club, but I am totally familiar with grocery pick up! As a mama of three it seriously has saved my life shopping online and then going to pick up the next day! Great tips sweetheart!
xo, Nicole
I’ve been focusing on prioritization this month and I can definitely see a difference in my daily productivity and work/life balance!
Tori
I am a big scheduler — I can’t get anything done without it. I really like what you wrote about waiting tasks. I don’t do that as much as I should, and want to rethink this, thanks to you. (BTW – great pics – your little dog is adorable!)
I have stuff on a celestial to-do list that never gets done. Inspired by this post, I’m going to try something new: I’m going to schedule time in my week – preferrably early in the day – to get these things done. I’m also going to pick things I want to do for fun, and put them on the calendar. I feel like my time is used as efficiently as the air conditioner with all the windows in the house open.
These are wonderful tips! I agree on the waiting– my husband& I are both Industrial Engineers, so we are always trying to do something productive while waiting. 🙂
I had no idea Sam’s offered pick up! I have my membership with Costco but that would save me so much time!
These are such great ideas!! Having something to do at all times really does help – that way come 5/6 PM you can relax for a few minutes, maybe! 😉
Plan, Schedule, Repeat is my life’s mantra! haha! Scheduling things and making lists is the only way I can ever get anything done! xoRach || http://www.rkcsouthern.com
Finding balance in your day is so important! I think I multi-task too much 🙂
I pretty much never watch tv without doing something else at the same time. To me my tv time is the best time to multi task (usually while I’m cooking dinner or doing a little cleaning). I’ve never used Sam’s Club pick up but it seems like a really beneficial service!
I did not know about Sam’s Club pick-up! That’s awesome! I would totally waste tons of time in that store. In fact, I do that in most stores. Haha! That service would save me tons of time. I am currently multi tasking right now. Sweet Bow is in my lap, so I can get in some snuggles and I am knocking out my to do list. On days that I am home all day long I like to wash a ton of laundry. Then when the hubby is home he takes care of the babies and I get to folding. Some days I don’t to the folding right away but at the laundry is clean. Haha! As a mom and blogger I am constantly multi tasking. However, when I need to write I save that for nap time so I have way less distractions. Great post!! Really enjoyed it!
“Plan. Schedule. Repeat.” I love that!!! I use Kroger’s curb side pickup to save money or I get suckered in to all of the other goodies all over the store.
Yes, yes and yes! Definitely need to try out Sam’s Club pick up. That would save me so much time! And for me having a schedule is a MUST! Otherwise the time with just pass by!
Keep smiling!
Molly | http://www.stylemissmolly.com
All wonderful tips! I am totally the same way, I LOVE watching the Ellen Show whenever I’m home to watch it and in the mornings, it’s always GMA & Live with Kelly! But I use those times to do other things too and just have it on in the background 🙂
I love the tip about using the time that you’re waiting for a meeting or appointment to do other things! I’ll definitely be using that in the future.
I love your suggestion about identifying “waiting” tasks. I need to do that for sure. Currently I usually play dumb games on my phone, and that’s definitely not productive!
I definitely multi-task. I do my Facebook “chores” and threads while playing with my little kids.
Great tips. I’m watching a movie with my husband right now and getting a bit of work done. 🙂
These are great tips! I try to squeeze every minute out of the day lately by multitasking and scheduling!
“A general misconception about work-life balance means the two are segregated, but in reality, the two co-exist. Balance comes from creating time for all the things that fuel your soul.” I LOVE this – such a healthy, realistic approach to this concept. It’s true that balancing the two is not always about sacrificing one for the other – it’s about switching off between them where you can throughout your life in a way that allows you to feel more fulfilled and less stressed. So important!
I really liked the article, you make a good point on multi-tasking within reason. That’s why I choose to bike to work and back (commuting and exercising at the same time), or put a face mask on while editing photos/writing for my blog. It’s a fun way to multi-task, without feeling like I’m getting burnt out in the end.
The wash, rinse, repeat techniques works the best for me! Once a habit forms on things I need to do everyday, you just get used to it!
First off, your dog is absolutely adorable! But, this post was so great… after reading everything about how multitasking is actually horrible, I was super sad because I always felt like I had gotten a rhythm for doing somethings super well in a little combo package. It’s nice to see that you have found a system that works for you as well!
xo, G
I always feel like I don’t have enough time in my day. These tips are super helpful. The Sam’s Club Pick up sounds so convenient! I hate grocery shopping so I love that you can just place your order online and pick it up! 🙂
I’m always multi-tasking, planning and scheduling! Also your dog is so cute!
-Alix
Great tips Rachel! I’ve really been trying to find more hours in my day as I am becoming busier then ever with my blog and running my business FT! Thanks for sharing!
Lauren
http://www.basicbabelauren.com
I feel that even if we could multitask and “make more time” there would always be something else to do… its a vicious circle 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
i really like what you said about “creating time for all the things that fuel your soul”! this is exactly what i need to do more! =)
Great suggestions. I wonder if Costco has something similar to Sam’s Club? I’ll have to check it out.
Amazing tips!! I never knew sam’s club did that… I might have to convince my parents to shop like that from now on xD
But for the most part, I totally agree with the rest of your tips!!
That Sam’s Club thing is so cool! I’ll definitely have to tell my parents about it since they shop at Sam’s a lot!
These are great tips! I always feel like I need to find a few extra hours in a day.. 🙂
These are fabulous tips, Rach!!! I love the low level multitasking. I do it ALL the time.
YES! I needed to read this post. I can’t tell you how many times I get distracted on a daily basis and forget for a minute what I went to do in the first place. I wish we had a Sam’s Club near us! I love how convenient they’ve made it to shop for food without spending hours doing so (and limiting distractions). Love it!
I just couldn’t have someone shop for me…I’m too particular when shopping and I don’t mind it at all. It is actually relaxing to me:)
Definitely looking for those ‘waiting tasks’ in my day now!! Great tips, thanks!
Good tips! I love that you are able to multitask well in certain areas! I would like to get better at that.
I’ve been trying to do the social media/email/low task thing at night while watching TV with the fam.
The How-to Guru
These are great tips! especially when you feel like the days get shorter! I need to work on multitasking when it is a good idea and it doesnt make me finish tasks slower
Okay, we have a Sam’s Club right by us and I have a membership and I haven’t heard of the
pick-me-up feature yet! I’m TOTALLY going to take advantage of this because I always get slowed down by all the samples.
Great reminders. I love setting out a pad of paper and writing out goals for the next day. Helps me know what to do and how to plan ahead. It also helps me save a few valuable minutes.
Love these tips! We don’t have a Sam’s near us but our Krogers offers pick up and it’s seriously the best! It saves so much time and I’m able to run and pick up our groceries during my lunch hour!
great tips! I would also add waking up earlier- it def sucks at first but then it’s so helpful x
I loooovelovelove this girlfriend. I’m with ya on lumping together tasks that cognitively can be handled together. Sometimes my discipline (or lack thereof) gets the best of me – ha! But, I manage! Also where’s your good days sweatshirt from?????? I NEED!
Waiting tasks seriously help my productivity SO much! I respond to emails, engage on instagram, or call a vendor for our wedding really quick!
Also I haven’t tried the pick up option, but I love walking around our store to find random things! Matt and I make a big date night out of it!
Yup, I ABSOLUTELY need extra hours in the day!! I’ve been struggling with this since I switched to working from part-time to full-time, but hopefully these tips will help!