Find Time by Working Ahead

The Time Finder with Paula Eder

The way you use your time is the way you live your life.

Find Time by Working Ahead

Posted on February 17, 2009, under Time Management Skills.

Finding time and managing your work when the unexpected hits can be a big challenge. Readers of The Time Finder may be aware that we had some challenges with the technical side of things over the weekend. This is an excellent example of the “unexpected” – and one that is no doubt familiar to many!

You can’t always know the challenging situations that may confront you, but it’s a very good idea to expect the unexpected and to build in some time for it in your life. How, you ask?

One of the best tools that I have found is to work ahead, when I have the time. It’s very similar to saving up for a rainy day. Think of it as a cushion or a savings account. It’s something that you can fall back on when your time and energy and focus must be applied to the unexpected, rather than your usual tasks. Aside from providing you with the ability to have a quick and agile response to any situation, it will also reduce your stress level. Any way you look at it, working ahead, whenever you can, is a great time choice and an excellent energy investment!

Generally I like to plot out my blog posts ahead of time, and write them in “chunks” whenever possible. This practice, also known as “batching,” is a great use of time anyway, because it contributes to focus and enhances efficiency and productivity. It was especially helpful yesterday, because as we began to notice the odd things that were happening with the blog, I knew that I already had a collection of blog posts ready to go. That left me with some flexibility to deal with the situation that had arisen.

I am experimenting this week with a new way of finalizing my posts. When I’m ready to get to my blogging work, I am reading through my draft and then hopping on the treadmill (with my trusty digital voice recorder in my pocket). I mull over the post, get new ideas, and exercise at the same time – a great way to multi-task! I often get ideas while exercising, but have never tried to formalize it this way – will definitely let you know how it goes!

Are there special ways that you have found to make sure that you have room to maneuver when the unexpected hits? I’d love to hear!

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Let’s explore time together …

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There are 2 Responses to “Find Time by Working Ahead”

#1 Wendy - 17 February, 8:30 AM

Hi Paula,

I love this post! I often struggle with finding enough time, especially when it comes to writing blog posts. I love planning ahead and writing them in advance but I’m not always consistent.

Sunday I wrote a post that I published and also wrote today’s post — what a nice feeling to have that done in advance now that today is here! I often get ideas, like this morning after yoga, for blog posts and try to write down the beginnings of posts to make it easier.

Your post is a great reminder and excellent motivation for me to get more focused on writing them in advance. You’re right, it does make a difference in feeling on top of things and managing my stress for those unexpected moments.

And you know what else, planning ahead with writing is so related to planning ahead in the kitchen to plan out healthy meals. Both efforts result in less stress, better health and over all better end results!

Thanks for the AWESOME post!
Wendy

#2 Paula - 17 February, 8:48 AM

Hi Wendy – I love your analogy between planning for blog-writing and planning ahead in the kitchen. I am going to take that in and use it in my days and weeks more often. You are so right – planning and working ahead bears fruit in less stress, better health, and great food!

And I love the Quinoa recipe you shared in your latest post. The texture (and protein) that Quinoa adds to dishes is something I really appreciate!

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