We all have those sneaky time-wasters that creep into our day, robbing us of precious time. Here are 20 common ones and how to take back
control:
1. Mindless Social Media Scrolling – Set a timer or use an app that limits your time online.
2. Checking Email Constantly –
Schedule specific times to check email instead of doing it throughout the day.
3. Procrastination – Break tasks into smaller steps to make starting easier.
4. Overthinking Decisions – Give yourself a deadline to make choices and stick with it.
5. Multitasking – Focus on one task at a time for more efficiency.
6. Unnecessary Meetings – Set clear agendas or decline meetings that aren’t essential.
7. Watching Too Much TV – Pick specific shows or times to watch and stick to it.
8. Disorganized Workspace – Spend five minutes tidying up at the end of each day to stay focused.
9. Running Errands without a Plan – Group errands by location or day to save
time.
10. Perfectionism – Sometimes good enough is just that—good enough. Let go of minor details.
11. Unplanned Grocery Trips – Make a list
and stick to it; don’t shop without a plan.
12. Saying 'Yes' to Everything – Practice saying 'no' more often to protect your time.
13. Idle
Chit-Chat – Be mindful of long conversations during work hours.
14. Browsing the Internet Aimlessly – Limit searches to what’s necessary for the task at hand.
15. Not Prioritizing Tasks – Use a to-do list and tackle the most important tasks first.
16. Excessive Phone Notifications – Turn off non-essential notifications to avoid distractions.
17. Clutter – A cluttered space can waste time searching for things. Declutter regularly.
18. Skipping Breaks – Take short breaks to recharge, so you don’t burn out.
19. Watching Ads – Skip ads by investing in a premium subscription if possible.
20. Overthinking the Day’s Schedule – Plan the night before to start the next day more
efficiently.
Cutting out these time-wasters can give you back more time in your day for the things that matter most.
