Optimizing time is not maximizing time

How do you optimize time? And is it even possible to optimize time?

Well…

I guess that depends on what you mean by optimizing time.

Often when we talk about optimizing time – it’s confused with maximizing time.

Maximizing your time means to get as many things done as possible. All those things on your to-do-list? Maximizing time means checking off as many of them as possible. In the shortest time possible.

Maximizing time is about being efficient. But is it really effective?

Maximizing your time makes you feel productive. Checking off all those things on your list makes you feel good right?

But how often do you actually succeed with doing everything on that list?

Not very often. And when you fail. How does that feel?

It makes you exhausted. You feel unmotivated. And starting again the next day feels impossible.

While maximizing time means doing as many things as possible. Optimizing time means to do the most important things. And then enjoying your time.

Because time is limited.  And we can’t have time for everything.

Instead of maximizing time today, try optimizing your time.

Prioritize what is most important and then do that. Set one essential task for each day and make sure you accomplish that.

Don’t do the insignificant tasks on your to do-list. You will feel much better when you accomplish one non-negotiable task.

That is what productivity is really about. Being selective with your time and only doing what is important.

Doing one essential task is much less intimidating than climbing a mountain full of tasks. And it will ensure you actually perform the task.

Not only will this help you get closer to your goals. It won’t exhaust you.

And you will have more time to enjoy. Whether that means spending some down time with your family, going to the gym or reading a book.

And if you have the extra time you can check off some of those things on your to do-list as well. But if you don’t, that is ok. You did not fail, because you accomplished the most important task.

We try to maximize our time today to have more time in the future. But when the future comes, are we actually living it?

Optimizing time is about working for the future, while still living in the present.