Unusual but Achievable Time Management Strategies

Variety is the spice of life, but when’s the last time you grabbed the pepper grinder?

We all get stuck in ruts, especially with making progress on our goals.  There you are at the bottom of a deep well.  Sitting in the dirt.  Looking up to the greener pastures above.  You’ve tried to claw your way to the top, but you just keep ending up with your butt on the ground and dirt beneath your nails.

It’s time to change your game.  Here are some unusual time strategies that just might work:

Keeping a Time-Log:

I saw that eye roll.  Keeping a log is the death of so many diets.  I will ask anyway.  Try it for just one week.  

Here’s a list of apps to make it easier.  Or, you could just take notes the old-fashioned way.  Whatever you chose, this will give you a detailed look into how you spend your time and where it’s wasted.

Take Breaks:

This goes against what that little voice in your head is telling you to do, but there’s a load of scientific data to support it.  So get up and refill that coffee cup or go snuggle your pup. If you don’t return to your desk with a renewed focus, let me know. 

Big Rocks:

“The Big Rocks are your most important priorities, so put them into your schedule first! That way, you make the less important things (gravel) fight their way into your calendar, not the important things.” Franklin Covey 

Some of my big rocks are birthdays, vacations, and product launches.  I look 2-5 years ahead in my calendar and schedule those things so they don’t get buried by the daily tasks of life.

Eat the Frog:

Gross, I know, but I bet this is something you are already doing.  Mark Twain wrote, “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning, and if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.” 

Get that thing you are dreading done first thing in the morning and then the rest of your day will be smooth.  

Gap Time:

No, it’s not time to stock up on casual tees.  Gap Time is using the time in between tasks or activities.  The time you spend scrolling your Instagram feed after finishing that blog post and before your next zoom meeting.  It’s not enough to jump into a big project, but you can use that time to check email or take a walk to clear your head.  Keep a list of Gap Time activities.  Next time you find yourself with spare time between projects, check the list instead of feeding your social media obsession. 

How have you been dishing out time management?  I bet you could use a little flavor.  Plus, wouldn’t it be fun to watch the facial expressions at the dinner table when you tell your family you ate a frog today.  

Just make sure they have nothing in their mouths... or well, you know.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you, but reach out if you need some help to balance the flavor.