Search icon

Life

11th Feb 2013

Ms. Efficient: Save Yourself Time, Money And Effort In 2013

Make the time and money you have work harder for you in 2013 with these Ms. Efficient tips!

Rebecca McKnight

Less time and money but more to do and more bills to pay?

It’s a familiar story and one that many of us are facing every day. If you’re one of those people and you’d like to get 2013 off to a more efficient start, then we just might be able to help.

We’ll be bringing you weekly tips on how to make the time and money you have work best for you. You’ll be earning the Ms. Efficient title in no time!

_______

Set A Designated Time For Emails Every Day

When you get into work, what’s the first thing you do? For most of us, it’s checking our email. However, your humble email inbox can be a major drain on your time and your productivity.

Research shows that most employees are at the the top of their productivity as soon as they start their day. This means that your brain is more alert and better able to cope with work first thing in the morning. If you want to up your levels of efficiency it’s important to capitalize on your body’s natural rhythms.

Rather than getting sucked into an endless black hole of email when you arrive in the office, why not dive into your work immediately and set a specific time that you’ll use to deal with your inbox?

Have a quick scan of your email when you arrive (just to make sure you haven’t missed anything important) but don’t reply to any emails that can wait. Then start your work day immediately. Honestly? You’ll probably be surprised at how much you accomplish if you just dive right in.

Later on in the day, for example during your last hour in work or straight after lunch, spend twenty minutes – half an hour catching up on those emails (forwarding, replying etc.). We guarantee that this will help your work day run more smoothly. Try it out and see what you think.

Set SMART Goals

We all have goals and we’re all capable of achieving them. Yes, believe it or not you can do, have or be anything that you want in this life. All you need to do is to know how to tackle your dreams.

The best way to become more efficient in terms of achieving your goals is to set a SMART one. This means that you should make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.

By setting a goal using this format you’re encouraging yourself to achieve it. You’ll know exactly what you want and the specific steps you need to take in order to reach it.

It’s worth reading up a little bit on making SMART goals. They can add some serious productivity to your life.

If You Don’t Understand Something, Ask

Have you ever heard the old saying ‘a stupid question is one that goes unasked’? It’s true on so many levels. Honestly.

One of the quickest ways to become more efficient in your life is to be open and honest if you don’t understand something. Save time by simply speaking up and asking someone to clarify the topic or the project. No one will think you’re stupid or silly for not getting it right the first time around.

By asking for help, you’ll be saving time and you won’t find yourself getting frustrated trying to figure out something completely on your own.

With thanks to our friends at PINERGY – No Bills. No Fuss. Just Top Up! Check out PINERGY.ie

Topics: