We all have 24 hours each day. Those that use their 24 hours most effectively have the most successful careers, the cleanest homes, and the happiest families. Are you using your time as effectively as possible? Consider how you could use your time more wisely and get more accomplished.

Efficiency at Work

Being more efficient at work can help your career and make the day pass more quickly:

• • • • Drink water. Nothing will sap your energy quicker than dehydration. By the time you feel thirsty, it’s too late. Take a drink during your break and continue drinking throughout the day.

• • • • Delegate.  You can get more accomplished if you delegate tasks at work. When necessary, you might even be able to delegate work to your peers. Ask nicely.
        • • • People are a resource. Be respectful, but use them wisely.

• • • • Have an up-to-date to-do list. You’ll get more done if you can hit the ground running when you first walk in the workplace doors. Know what you need to accomplish and have a plan already in place.

• • • • Take regular breaks. The best ratio for the average person is a 10-minute break each hour. You’ll get more done over the entire day and still feel refreshed when everyone else is burning out. Take breaks and get more done. Work intently for that hour.
        • • • Watch the clock and see how much you can get done. Push yourself. Then take a break and recharge.

These are just a few ideas. How could you use your time at work better? How do you waste time?

Efficiency at Home

It’s just as important to be efficient at home:

• • • • Delegate.  If you have a spouse or kids then, put those extra hands to work. You can get a lot more accomplished and have more time available for leisure activities. Teamwork at home is a wonderful thing.
        • • • Consider hiring someone to clean the house, mow the grass, or do the shopping.
            • Even small children can be helpful. Let them do age-appropriate tasks, even if they’re only able to put their toys away or set the table.
  • • • Get everything ready the night before. Avoid packing lunches and selecting clothes in the morning. Make these things part of your evening ritual. Your mornings will be much more relaxed. Ensure the car is ready to go, too. Try to keep your tank at least half-full to avoid morning trips to the gas station.
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  • • • Get organized. The average person spends a lot of time looking for things at home. Car keys, the checkbook, TV remote, batteries, and bills, to name a few. You can save a lot of time by getting organized.
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  • • • Put things away when you’re done. Making the house clean is a major job. Keeping it clean, instead, is much easier. Teach everyone to put things away when they’re done. If you and your family always put things back, the house can’t become cluttered.
        • • • Dirty dishes go in the sink or the dishwasher.
            • Put mail in the appropriate place after sorting or opening.
            • Toys go back on the shelf.
            • When you take off your shoes, put them in the proper place.
            • Use a pen? Put it back when you’re done.

These ideas will help you handle responsibilities efficiently and spend less time on your tasks. Time is the one resource that we all have in equal amounts. The most successful people are those that make the most of the 24 hours they’re given each day. Make yours count!