4. Use time-saving tools.
Every job goes smoother when you use the right tools.
Here are the tools I rely on to help me keep my life simpler: cell phones, (PDA phone is the best of both worlds, and yes I want an iPhone.) a timer, thank God for Radio Shack! I use it to stay on time and end meetings, phone calls and sermons at the time I have allotted. I also use a service at Jott.com.
My most valuable tool is my calendar. You can’t manage time without a day-planning system. I use a smartphone because I had reached a place where my calendar system was a time waster. How did you know that, Jim? Because I have developed a habit that saves my bacon on a regular basis, I account for my time daily as I spend it.
Another wonderful tool is email. It can eliminate some memos and even a meeting. Next is a tool that is where my master calendar is kept: my computer. I use a laptop because it helps me keep life simple everywhere. By having a computer with me everywhere I am, it helps me meet deadlines, network and brainstorm with others, and do things once rather than constantly redoing them. I depend on a computer so much, I have a spare just in case I need it.
Other tools I use include email and text groups and drafts so things I say over and over I can send without retyping and those people I send to a lot I make a group.
The problem with email is knowing when to talk and not type. It’s all about keeping life simple. I’m also a big fan of two other tools: blogging and websites. Both can be huge assets in communicating with key leaders, workers and parents.
5. Do more than one thing at a time.
I try to always make the most of waiting, commute times and meals. All three of these are great times for study, meetings and people development, time to return messages and emails and to make assignments as well as plan. Take something to read with you wherever you go. I even use a hands-free phone so I can type and check emails while I talk.
6. Decide what can be postponed or eliminated.
This step goes back to priorities. You are the only one who can determine what’s urgent and what can wait.
Don’t just look at the task—look at the time you have and the time involved.
Learn to say no! This is a key skill required to simplify life. I’ve also learned a big part of saying yes to urgent and important matters means you must say no to less urgent or unimportant things. When time is short, I look to managing me first, then others and manage things last.
7. Get creative with your family time.
I try to take a family member with me every chance I get. I also try to combine my family time with something else. I go walking with Julie, cycling with Julie, shopping with Yancy, Whitney and Julie, movies with my sons-in-laws and babysit my grandson anytime they will let me. I like to call them when I can just to say hi and to encourage and let them know how proud I am of them.
