Time saving tips

[robaday]

This is probably an obvious question but I'm wondering if anyone has ideas on time maximisation and tips for fitting a lot of things into your day.

 

I recently went for a job but didn't get it because my foreign language skills weren't up to scratch so I am taking lessons in the hope something like that can arise again, I have basic proficiency it just wasnt quite advanced enough. I have also lined up volunteering with the same org in my own country (the job was abroad). So I figure those two things are defo steps in the right direction.

 

But I also work full time and also am really into martial arts. I am single so dont have relationship or family pressure but I am still struggling to fit all of these things in, without the quality of one suffering.

 

I know I can't extend the clock:) but are there things that have helped others when going about a hectic work life balance? I haven't seen my friends or just gone out and socialised for some time!!

[TaraMaiden2]

ditch the tv.

 

delete all forums and social media, games and pointless distractions on your laptop.

 

sorted.

[PegNosePete]

If your foreign language skills are holding you back, learn them in your car during your commute. I have learned Italian and Polish that way. I highly recommend Michel Thomas.

[robaday]

Thanks for the tips

 

i really struggle with foreign language learning. I'm embarrassed about how hard I've found it. I spend so much time trying to learn it and not much seems to get internalized, so am always open to new methods. I did it for a year and a half but am now doing one on one classes to see if that speeds things up a bit. But I will try and listen to him for sure, I do like his method of teaching.

[campfire]

- Analyze your current situation, set tangible goals and act accordingly.

 

- Incorporate the 80/20 mentality. Spend 80% of your time on the top 20% most important things in your life.

 

- Consider changing priorities in life. Martial arts can be fun, but it seems to take up a lot of time.

 

- Consider quitting or cutting back on work. Personally I've chosen to save up and retire before I'm 40. This requires the ability to manage money and ability/willingness to save it up, usually through acquiring a middle class income for 5+ years. The upside is you will free up 8+ hours a day when you reach the goal.

 

- Arrange your housing so that you live close to work, grocery store and other places you frequently go to.

 

- If possible/desireable; downsize your housing and reduce the amount of stuff/clutter in your life, this will lead to less time spent on maintaining, cleaning, clearing and worrying.

 

- Consider your means of transportation (in my case biking is quicker than driving unless I'm travelling 5 miles+).

 

- Sleep less. If you sleep for 7 hours, try get into the habit of sleeping 6.5 instead. I find this one hard and not worth it though.

 

- Have an effective plan for grocery shopping and cooking. I shop and cook once a week, the rest of the week is spent re-warming and eating left overs. You will want a fridge and freezer with enough space, mine can fit one month of food in total.

 

- Combine unproductive time (sitting on the toilet, sitting on the bus, waiting, driving, biking, walking) with productive stuff (audio book, planning, making/updating lists). I challenge you to shave and brush your teeth while showering!

 

- Cut back on unproductive time, such as the things mentioned in previous posts.

 

Some of these are huge money savers. Excess money can be invested for the future (advisable), or spent on freeing up more time. Example: upgrade the quality of the things you own in order to reduce time spent on maintaining/replacing it, e.g. more solid shoes or a bigger freezer. Or hire a personal assistant. This will reduce unemployment in your country.

[TaraMaiden2]

Thanks for the tips

 

i really struggle with foreign language learning. I'm embarrassed about how hard I've found it. I spend so much time trying to learn it and not much seems to get internalized, so am always open to new methods. I did it for a year and a half but am now doing one on one classes to see if that speeds things up a bit. But I will try and listen to him for sure, I do like his method of teaching.

 

In my experience, you either have an aptitude for languages - or you haven't.

 

I lived, with my Ex-H and 2 daughters, in France for 7 years.

In all that time, my H barely learnt 20 words.

 

When we separated and I returned to the UK (I was fluent in French, and am half-Italian, so languages are not too much of a challenge to me) he remained in France, where he lives to this day.

His French HAD to pick up in order for him to survive on his own.

He learnt it by immersing himself in the French culture and within 6 months of my departure, was a fluent as I.

 

THat's the only way I figure you'll learn.

By going and living in the Country of the language you're studying.

[preraph]

Hire help so you don't have to clean house often. If you're messy, stop being messy and just pick up after yourself so it isn't messy, but then every couple of months, have someone come in and do the heavy cleaning (or yardwork, whatever).

 

I agree with Tara the biggest time suck these days is internet and social media, mainly texting.

 

When possible, live right by where you work. Commute time is the biggest waste there is, and is unpleasant.

[hasaquestion]

Hire help so you don't have to clean house often. If you're messy, stop being messy and just pick up after yourself so it isn't messy, but then every couple of months, have someone come in and do the heavy cleaning (or yardwork, whatever).

 

I agree with Tara the biggest time suck these days is internet and social media, mainly texting.

 

When possible, live right by where you work. Commute time is the biggest waste there is, and is unpleasant.

 

Eh, there are tradeoffs. I lived in the suburbs, had a 10 minute commute each way, and was bored out of my skull. When I moved into the city and had to commute 35 minutes each way, my quality of life went up big time. Tacked on 4 hours a week of commuting (which turns into podcast time!) but allowed me to more efficiently use my free time on the week ends, which was much more than 4 hours a week.

[newmoon]

just pick the top 2 or 3 activities that really interest you and get those going. usually we only feel as though we don't have enough time when we overwhelm ourselves with too much. if language-learning and martial arts are important then just do your f/t work, martial arts and some language learning for quite a while. and pick more stuff up when you achieve a level you want in one. less things = more time.