By I never have any time for anything. My day job is demanding, and family life can squeeze dollops from it too. Then it’s the side hustle as well, and some regular freelance work. So it may seem that I’m always stuck on the computer typing or creating a masterpiece. This may surprise or annoy a lot of people. But, on the other hand, there is a lot packed in my day, and I know what will disturb the beauty of my routine if I let it get out of hand. This is why I wanted to shed some light on what has worked for me, which might also light up some alternative solutions for you.
Option one: Get up earlier — sometimes way early!
I know there are a lot of people out there who would completely ignore this one. It’s a turn off for those who prefer sleep more than time. If I don’t get up early, my whole day gets pushed back, and I never get all the things I want to complete. Waking up early and taking the time out just for me makes a huge difference too. I would start with one hour and increase it to about 2 hours. Set the alarm and always aim to get up at that time. At first, it might be challenging, but you will become accustomed to it. Soon enough, you will see your productivity soar, and it will become a much-needed habit. Why didn’t I say afternoons? Because those of us with family and children to look after, it doesn’t seem feasible. Single and childless people might prefer to unwind and relax in the afternoons. I feel that this time is best saved for the people we love. In the morning, everyone is asleep, and it feels more natural, with a lot fewer obstacles getting in the way.
Option Two: Circuit training & Sprints
I LOVE circuit training. Circuit training helps me get in and get out of the gym faster than ever before. Circuits aim is to go hard for the time required, then start all over again. Do that for 30 or 45 minutes, and then run out the door! Always remember to use good form thought. Circuit training produces higher metabolic increases than your average workout — especially after the exercise has ended. If you want to shave a lot of time off your one-hour training schedule — this one is for you. Sprints are also fantastic, as they require only 20 minutes, and you are done! At this rate, you will be trim and slim before you know it!
Option Three: Working from home
Working from home produces some staggering time & financial saving options! For one, you don’t have to commute, wait in traffic or pay endless streams of money for food and transport. The biggest one here is that you’re not tempted to spend money as you walk around and see what’s available in different department stores. One thing that surprised me the most about WFM is that I could make more time for my side hustle before and after work — every day. I stuck to my writing goals by creating one short and another long forming post daily. These were quickly finished and ready to post by the days end. Writing is essential to me, and it’s very therapeutic after the painful loss of my mum. I may have lost the most important person in my life, but I found the most crucial channel to discover my voice and articulate my message via this keyboard. I love working from home!
Option Four: Get someone else to do the things that suck
I never adjust things or put together complex furniture. Instead, I go online and call someone to come over and do it. I like to think about this option in a different light. Say my hourly rate is $60, and I pay someone $80 to assemble a table and then $20 for him to take it and get rid of it. It’s not a hard job, but it takes at least 2–3 hours of effort and perhaps increases your levels of stress. I think my time is worth more than that. I don’t know about your thoughts right now, but I see it as taking back the importance of my time by paying someone else to do the thing I’m not good at or don’t want to do. Try it out and see just how great this turnback is. I hope some of these resonate well with you now or perhaps in the future