Now that my income is dependent on my output (instead of automatically getting a portion of my salary every two weeks), it's now even more important that I manage my time carefully. Here are some of the time savers I've come up with:
- Use TiVo to zap out ads or watch favorite TV shows online. I don't have TiVo, so I watch Grey's Anatomy online, which is basically the poor girl's TiVo. Even with the 30 second ads, it's quicker than watching it on TV. Plus I can watch on my time.
- Order prescriptions by mail. For me, this option is cheaper AND easier than running to the drug store. They even have email reminders to protect me from my own forgetfulness.
- Sign up for online banking and/or automatic bill pay. My bank keeps PDFs of statements in my account for a year, so I don't have to deal with piles of paper. I also set up an automatic payment for my health insurance so I can't forget or run out of stamps.
- Use RSS to manage feeds. Most of you probably do this already, but if you don't, you can read about my love for Google Reader in this post.
- Use the cell phone on the go. When I used to call my bank or my insurance company, I would sit around and get impatient when they put me on hold. Now I'm folding laundry or walking home from the gym. And instead of returning text messages as soon as I get them, I'm texting as I heat up my lunch or wait for the subway.
So, what's your secret? How do you save time so you can minimize productivity? I'd love to know!
7 comments:
Good ideas!
I usually surf other blogs in the afternoon after I'm creatively spent. It saves a TON of my time, because I'm concentrating on work first and usually I'm too tired to surf too many blogs in the evening. However, it's a habit I've yet to fully develop, as here I am at 10:30 am.... ;))
Great tips, Susan! Another thing is monitor phone calls and if someone is calling just to 'gab', let it ring. :-) Busy writers don't have time to chat during 'business hours'! Oh, I forgot--24/7 is our business hours. *giggles*
*smiles*
Michele
I just discovered jott.com - you set up an account, then call the number and leave a voicemail WHICH GETS CONVERTED INTO TEXT (very accurately, actually) and emailed to yourself. there are a lot of times when I want to take notes on something but I am driving.... this is perfect!
@Michele: Sometimes I have to cut my mother short during a phone chat, but most of my friends know I'm not a phone person. :)
@Rachel: Good idea! Thanks for sharing.
Great tips! I'd say steer clear of Twitter and other social media sites. While I get great story ideas, I'm addicted to it. I find myself wasting a lot of time throughout the day. I'm trying to figure out a way to limit the time when I check Twitter and other sites, but not quite there yet:(
Great post! You posted some really good tips. I know that my main issue is sticking to a reliable schedule. I'm getting a lot better about screening those daytime phone calls!
Hi Susan,
I hear you about the laundry - great tips!
Michele's "no phone chatting" policy is one that I adhere to as well.
One of my tricks for saving time is quickly ditching clients that could be a potential headache, i.e. counterproductive communicators, and RUNNING in the other direction when they approach.
As I'm sure many of the other writers here will attest, you can spot a PITA a mile away after you've been doing this for a while.
"I haven't got time for the pain," as Carly Simon would say.
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