7. Buy in Bulk, Cook in Bulk
Buying stuff and cooking food are two of the most common unplanned consumptions of time. Most people buy replacements in small amounts only when they need them and think about food only when they’re hungry. The problem is these issues will often arise at inopportune times. The most efficient way I’ve found to counteract this is by doing bulk loads of both. I know I’ll always need gas in my vehicle. So instead of putting in $25 here and $25 there, I top off my tank every time I’m at the station regardless of the sticker shock. Likewise, I know I’m going to be hungry at lunch time every day this week. So on Sundays I’ll grill up five extra chicken breasts and make a chicken wrap or sandwich for every day of the week.
8. Use Productive Shortcuts
People who claim that there are no productive shortcuts in life have been brainwashed. There are productive shortcuts for almost everything you do. Finding and using them can save you a few minutes here and there on a daily basis. If you use a computer, learn the keyboard shortcuts for the programs you use most often. If you can permanently delegate one of your regular tasks to someone else, do it. Is there a route to work with less traffic? Where can you hit two birds with one stone?
9. Organize All Your Space
How much time do you think the average person wastefully spends searching for items they’ve misplaced? Keeping both your living and work spaces organized will undoubtedly save you ten minutes (if not twenty or thirty) daily.
10. Productively Use Waiting Time
Waiting time does not have to be wasted time. When you are waiting at the doctor’s office, the post office, or on hold for the next available representative … what simple tasks could you complete while you wait? How about sorting though your snail mail, writing those thank you notes you’ve been putting off, reading the book you keep meaning to read, reviewing, and editing your to-do lists, etc.
Originally published Marc and Angel
