9 Habits I Stopped To Gain 4 Hours of Free Time Everyday
And own your future
Productivity isn’t about working for 15+ hours a day. It’s about working on the right things, right now.
Everywhere you go, read, meet people, all day, you have to do this, you have to do that.
You are not being productive, and are bad at time management.
I get all of that.
We all have 24 hours a day.
Some get to do a lot and some struggle to get things done and wish magically the day could become 36 hours.
But even if the day is 36 hours long, you will find that it is still not enough.
“Not-to-do” lists are often more effective than to-do lists for upgrading performance.
I learned to ask, “if this is the only thing I accomplish today, will I be satisfied with my day?”
So here is my list of things that I stop doing.
1- Stop picking up calls from unknown numbers
I setted up a voicemail on my phone with an adequate message.
It helps me to stop taking calls from unknown numbers and let them go to voicemail. Saved up lots of time.
2- Stop checking emails every second
Do not check your email first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
I set up the cut-off time to not open my laptop or phone. That is typically between 8–9 PM. And start batch checking the emails throughout the day.
3- Stop making work my whole identity
I used to associate myself with the working title and what work I do.
Now I am detaching my identity from the job title, work, and focusing on becoming a wholesome person.
It’s helping me think out of the box and pursue my hobbies beyond my day job.
4- Letting lukewarm friends fade away
I have spent lots of time with friends who were never meant to be my “real” friends and they were not as involved in the friendship as I was.
I let them fade away and focus on myself, my priorities, and how I can upgrade my life.
Do not expect work to fill a void that non-work relationships and activities should. Schedule life and defend it just as you would an other important thing.
5- Stop binge-watching TV
Who doesn’t like to snuggle and binge-watch TV?
Now I am rethinking how I should use my time.
Instead of watching tv after 7–10 PM, I use this time to do work out, read a book, or just go for a short walk.
6- Stop creating endless to-do lists
I love to-do lists.
Every day I used to create a self-creating checklist of 10s of things I need to do in my day.
But now I started prioritizing my day not more than 3 things in a day. It’s helping me to focus on the right priorities while saving hours in my day.
7- Stop making emails a chat conversation
Have you been in a situation where people do back-and-forth conversations on emails and it usually comes to a point where you are just not on the same page?
I stopped myself from indulging in such emails.
Instead, I reply with all possible questions that can come after my email and put them in one single email. It helped me save time and avoiding long calls and meetings.
8- Stop doing small talk
People like talking about the weather, asking how your day was your day, how’s things going?
You already know, no one is really interested to know but it’s just chit-chatting to pass the time or fill up the silence.
Now I stick with “What’s up?” or “how can I help you? It’s all about getting on point quickly.
9- Stop doing office work on weekends
I am stopping myself to check work emails, and chat messages on weekends.
I am realizing work never ends and it’s up to you how you choose to spend your time.
Work will always be there. There will always be some crisis or others, It’s up to you what to make your priorities.
Lastly-
Take at least one day off of digital detox per week.
Turn your electronics devices off or, better still, leave them at home or in the car.
I try not to check my phone frequently on weekends and sometimes I keep my phone on silent.
It’s all about focusing on getting important things done.
It’s hip to focus on getting things done, but it’s only possible once we remove the constant static and distraction.
To become more productive, you have to be willing to change the way you think about organizing and completing tasks. It’s a learning process but establishing a few working practices can help you in a long way.
Be Bold
Be Courageous
Be Your Best