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I am super type A.  Personality tests tell me to see a doctor.  My OCD is mild, but very apparent if you watch me work.  My wife catches me talking to myself constantly, but she has gotten used to it.  If you leave me alone in a room with a to-do list on a post-it note, I will build a spaceship out of toothpicks.  Maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but I do put my quirks to good use.  I spend much of my time finding ways to create more time.  I focus a lot of my energy on productivity, effective habits, and useful ways to make my day more efficient.  If you’re anything like me, you’re busy.  Busy people need more time.  From my own experience, if I successfully create more time I usually fill it with more stuff instead of meaningful activity.  I don’t want you to take these strategies and simply make yourself busier.  Focus on making your life more meaningful by filling your time with activities that enlighten your mind, stimulate your senses, and simply make you feel more alive. 

First, in order to maximize our productivity we need to create more time and then fill it back up with the right stuff.  In order to make every moment of your day productive you’ll need to analyze what you do on a daily basis.  Make a list, create a calendar, or somehow put together a visual of a typical day for you.  Be very specific and list every activity from the moment you wake up until the moment you go to bed.  Now figure out everything you can get rid of completely.  This will be hard, so take a look at some suggestions below.  The goal is to eliminate everything that isn’t essential to the accomplishment of your goals.  Always be asking yourself, “WWJD?”  What would Jeff do?  (Please don’t compare me to Jesus, you’ll be sadly disappointed.)

Things to Subtract

  • Television (except right before bed if you choose)
  • All forms of News (your co-workers will fill you in on anything truly relevant)
  • Surfing the Internet (use the web for specific tasks, not browsing)
  • Unhealthy foods that zap your energy (have lunch with a vegan to get some ideas)
  • Repetitive tasks (like cleaning, organizing, or checking your email)
  • Decrease time on Social Media Websites (I’m a sucker for Facebook . .)
  • Shopping just to look (if you’re not looking for something specific, leave the store)

Now that you’ve freed up an enormous amount of time, let’s brainstorm some meaningful activities to add that will progress you further towards your goals.

Things to Add

  • Reading during lunch (read non-fiction books that teach you something)
  • Writing before work (write anything, even journal entries, just write)
  • Audio Podcasts in the car instead of music (consider audio that makes you think)
  • Dancing & Music (preferably done together and done often)
  • Exercising and Meditation (you will have more energy if you’re healthier)
  • Social Activities (friends and family are almost always a good choice)
  • Naps (practice makes perfect, be sure to master this skill)
  • Pets, Children, or both (try to add one at a time so you don’t go crazy)
  • Smiley Face Stickers to your Business Cards (I do this and it makes people happy)

If at this point your day isn’t quite complete or you’ve run out of time to squeeze everything in, take a look at the considerations below.

Things to Consider

  • Quitting Your Job (make a plan before you jump to this choice, but don’t rule it out)
  • Increasing Your Self-Discipline (hang out with an on-duty Marine)
  • Doing at least one thing every day that scares you (this is powerful, do it)
  • Vacationing Alone (this can really help you focus if you need time to think)
  • Batching Your Chores (like doing laundry once every three weeks)

Conclusion
Busier people are more productive.  Focus on filling your life with meaningful activity and removing anything that isn’t beneficial.  If you have any questions about things to get rid of or you need some more clever ideas about things to add just leave a comment below.  Thanks!

Don’t forget to check out my new revolutionary eBook for conquering life after college!

The Clueless Graduate,

Jeff & Tessa Sanders

Jeff Sanders