Make Your Waking Hours Work for You

If you could have anyskill of a superhero, which would you choose? The ability to fly or leap across tall buildings in a single bound perhaps?

I would choose the power to never need sleep though this is not a flashy choice. This would mean an end to my constant wish for more hours in the day.

Needless to say, my superpower has yet to unlock itself. Until then, here are four scheduling tips I use to help me get the most from my waking hours:

1. Reschedule canceledevents.

Many years ago I heard the phrase"If I erase, I must replace" and it's still a mantra I live and work by today. It serves as a reminder to be flexible, yet accountable.

Your schedule should not be so rigid that you can never tweak it. But if an event was important enough to include initially, set aside time for it later in the day or week.

58003

2.具有战略意义。

To use a calendar strategically, schedule important tasks first and let the less-demanding ones land where they may.

Every time you refine your calendar, you're resetting priorities (an important duty).

Appointments should not merely exist on yourcalendarbecause they have been auto-scheduled to repeat every week for five months.

Instead, set up each eventwith intent and only if it'sof great importance right now.

3. Leave a buffer for preparation.

professionals sometimesaccidentally overbook their schedules, forcing them to sprint from one meeting to the next allday.

To avoid this, include time between events to review your last appointment and prepare for the next. If you don't, the nonstop rushing is bound to catch up with you.

The best way to ensure havingenough time between tasks is to block out the necessary interludes on your calendar.

4. Add in time to breathe.

Workaholics might find it all tooeasy to get trapped in the constant whirl of activity. This is a recipe for burnout.

I believe in not only taking a break but alsoscheduling time for one during the workday. For instance, I take a daily break to get outside the office and exercise.

If a midday visit to the gym isn't realistic for you, take a walk or at least step away from your desk during lunch. Take time to sharpen the ax!