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Time Use: Are You Productive or Just Busy?

Because Yes!  There is a big difference between the two.  Treading water takes time and effort, but at the end of the task, you are left with your head only just above water and in the same position you were in when you started.

no-more-excuses1So are you being productive and getting things accomplished to move you forward? Or are you being busy with your time and treading water?

Here are some tips to make sure you aren’t wasting your time:

1. Set goals

A lot of people roll their eyes at this one and don’t think that it makes much of a difference.  But OBF are here to tell you that it does!  And in all aspects of your life as well.  If you know what you want to achieve, and by when, you can break that achievement down into smaller goals and tasks.

By doing so, you know exactly what you need to do each day to reach it.  It gives purpose to your tasks and actions, and it eliminates any guesswork or wasted activity.  To do so however, you must make sure your goal is measurable in some way. Achievement of the smaller tasks will also give you a sense of accomplishment, which will help keep you on track to achieving more!

This is where a lot of us fall short. We say we don’t have time.  We blame everything else in our lives as to why we can’t exercise a few times a week, why we can’t meal prep, or why we can’t get more sleep.  We say we don’t have time, but in reality, we all have time for what we prioritize.

It’s not about finding time in your day, it’s about making time in your day.  If you are resistant to change, you will only end up where you are heading.  And it’s nowhere new and exciting if you aren’t actively working towards it. This leads us to our final point:

2. Realize that your life is in your control.

Take responsibility for all aspects of your life.  Don’t place blame.  Don’t say there isn’t time.  Don’t complain.  Take control of your life.  Fill it with things that inspire and motivate you.

Surround yourself with people that bring positivity and encouragement.  Fill your days with tasks that propel you forward.  And prioritize the tasks that are going to get you there!