THE GIFT OF A DAY (18); MAXIMIZE TODAY II

“Hell begins on that day when God grants us a clear vision of all that we might have achieved, of all the gifts we wasted, of all that we might have done that we did not do.” - Gian Menotti

Chose What Should Be Done Daily

Do you want to look back at your life years from now, and curse yourself for not taking certain decisions that you should have?

Maximizing and adequately using our day, makes a lot of difference in the long run.

Yesterday, we began talking about how we could make the most of our days by looking at some tips or advice. Let's continue today with some more tips.

1. Plan some down time.

Irrespective of your busy schedule, make sure to give yourself opportunity to take some "time-outs" to relax. This allows you function more efficiently; it makes you more productive all round; work, home or leisure. Having some sort of "power nap" on weekends can be a time waster or a great refresher, depending on how long you take, as well as your attitude toward it.

Seriously, we have to get enough sleep; we really need to. Feeling rushed, worn and chasing after time could be a sign that you're over tired; go to bed at a decent hour. Ever heard, "early to bed early to rise"?

Leave your worries behind. When the alarm goes off in the morning, you know what to do!

2. Cut down on social time.

No man can succeed in isolation no doubt, but know that "too much play, and time wasting makes Jack a terrible guy". Don't allow your social life take up "too much" of your time. Cut down on the invitations you honour. Plan to see several invitations simultaneously at a single gathering instead of individually. Consider cutting down on high maintenance friends who sap your energy. Cut them out of your circle completely and you’ll regain some time for the activities and people you enjoy.

3. Finish what you start.

Are you always rushing off too soon to start another job or project? Don’t take on a new project until you finish the one you have on your plate. You don’t want to find yourself with a truck load of half finished tasks, "giving yourself to everything, is giving yourself to anything". Someone said, "There is the noble art of getting things done, and there is the other noble art of leaving things undone", learn what things you should do, or shouldn't do.

Regain control of how you use your day. Stop sprinting after time, take life one day at a time, and you’ll feel less worn or confused and more energized. You’ll get everything done, with enough time to spare.