Time Management 101: The Lazy Person's Guide to Getting Stuff Done

Are you the type of person who loves to relax and take it easy, but still wants to get things done efficiently? Do you often find yourself procrastinating or feeling overwhelmed by your workload? If so, you're not alone. Many of us struggle with time management, but the good news is that there are simple and effective strategies you can use to stay productive while still embracing your inner laziness.

Welcome to the Lazy Person's Guide to Getting Stuff Done!

Greetings! In this blog, we'll explore some practical tips and tricks for acing this time management thing, even if you prefer to take a laid-back approach to life.

Embrace the power of lists.

One of the easiest ways to stay on track with your tasks is to make a to-do list. But as a lazy person, you might be thinking, "Ugh, more work?" No worries! You can keep it simple and this is definitely what you should do. Write down the top three things you need to accomplish each day. By focusing on a short list, you'll avoid feeling overwhelmed and be more likely to actually get things done.

Set realistic goals.

This goes hand-in-hand with the above pointer. As a lazy person, setting ambitious goals can be intimidating and demotivating. Instead of aiming for the stars, set small, achievable goals that you can easily accomplish. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small they may seem. This will help keep you motivated and moving forward.

Block your time!

Time blocking is a lazy person's dream come true. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, schedule specific blocks of time for different tasks throughout your day. This allows you to focus on one thing at a time without feeling pressured to multitask. Plus, knowing that you have dedicated time for relaxation built into your schedule can be a great motivator to stay productive.

Take regular breaks.

Moving on from time blocking to breaks: laziness and burnout often go hand in hand. To avoid feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, be sure to take regular breaks throughout your day. Step away from your desk, go for a walk, or indulge in a quick power nap. Giving your brain a chance to recharge will help you stay focused and productive in the long run.

Eliminate distractions.

Let's face it, distractions are the enemy of laziness. Identify the things that tend to derail your focus, whether it's Tiktok or Instagram, noisy coworkers, or that pile of laundry calling your name. Take steps to minimise these distractions so you can stay on task and get stuff done more efficiently.

Use technology to your advantage.

There are countless time management apps and tools available to help you manage your day better. From task management apps to browser extensions that block distracting websites, find the tools that work best for you and incorporate them into your routine. Just remember to keep it simple – too many tools can end up being more of a distraction than a help.

Don't sweat the small stuff!

As a self-proclaimed lazy person, it's easy to get bogged down by minor details or insignificant tasks. Learn to prioritise what truly matters and let go of the rest. Focus your time and energy on the things that will have the biggest impact and don't waste precious resources on things that don't deserve your attention.

And my personal favourite yet hardest thing to manage of all is how to...

Learn to say NO.

Learn that your time is valuable.

As tempting as it may be to say yes to every request that comes your way, sometimes you need to put your foot down and prioritise your own time. Whether it's taking on extra projects at work or attending social events that you're not really interested in, learn to prioritise your time and energy on the things that matter most to you.

Remember, saying no now can save you time and stress later on.

Here's a tool that is definitely worth your time. (It's also free)

Pomodoro Timer (aka my Holy Grail at work): https://pomofocus.io/

Francesco Cirillo devised a time management method known as the Pomodoro Technique, which involves breaking work into 25-minute intervals, each termed a "Pomodoro" after the tomato-shaped timer he invented. This technique encourages goal setting and attainment.

Here's how it works:

• Select the task you wish to accomplish.
• Set a timer for 25 minutes.
• Begin the timer and focus solely on the task until it rings.
• Take a five-minute break; engage in non-work activities like a short walk or enjoying a cup of tea.
• Set the timer for another 25-minute session, focusing on a different task.
• Repeat this cycle four times.
• On the fifth round, take longer breaks of 20-30 minutes between each Pomodoro session.

Neat, right?

Time management doesn't have to be a daunting task, even for the laziest among us. Embracing these simple strategies will help you go through your workdays without sacrificing your love of relaxation. So go ahead, embrace your inner lazy person and start getting stuff done – you might just be surprised by how much you can accomplish.