The Don’t Do List: 5 Habits to Stop Now That Will Help You Create 3 Hours Out Of Thin Air

Saying “No” is not easy for many of us. We like to help others. However at times, we don’t do ourselves or our clients any favours by continuing to say “Yes” to things that take us away from what we need to get done.

There is a saying (well I think it’s a saying) which goes something like this... "It’s what you don’t do that determines what you do."

Here are 5 stressful and common habits that entrepreneurs and office workers should strive to eliminate that will make it seem like there are more hours in the day...

1. Agreeing to meetings with no clear agenda or end time.
Most meetings could be shorter if we all knew what we were there for... just like a call... most people have a motive for calling. Ask why you are going to meet before you meet so you can prepare or offer and alternative way to solve the matter.

2. Taking the long way to get to the point... Get to the point quicker.  When someone calls ask them how you can help sooner rather than later.

3. Constantly checking email (I know I say this often... and there is a reason for this! :)   Don't do it! It steals time and energy — “batch" - do them at set times of the day rather than all day long.

Emails are usually requests from other people for you to do something. Train people to call you if it’s urgent. Train people to know you will get back to them but not within 6 seconds of them sending the email. Tell them when you are going to answer email and do what you say you are going to do. This stops follow up calls and visits to ‘check’ if you have seen the email.

4. Working longer to fix overwhelm and overload. Working more does not help because basically there is always more to do PLUS when you get into this habit it is very hard to STOP working and rest. Work because a GRIND and EFFORT... which leads to burn out!

Plan weekly. Ask yourself when planning what MUST you get done the week coming.

When you are about to start working on something (especially if it’s out of work hours) ask yourself, do I really need to do this now? Can it wait? Would recharge my batteries be a better thing to do now?

5. Respond and sending work related messages on the weekend ... well for 1 day at least if you can’t manage 2!
I challenge you to take at least one day off. Turn it off your phone or leave it behind! (imagine!) Have a cut off time.

Having time for all areas of our life (to be a parent, a partner, to have some time for ourselves...)  is what helps us feel fulfilled and satisfied. Remember to include some rest time helps us cope with the streses and strains of the day.