We all live busy lives: work, groceries, cooking, driving, cleaning, spending time with family/friends, hobbies, the list goes on. However, have you ever stopped to think about what your time is really worth? Do you make best use of your time or let it go to waste by performing trivial tasks? We all get caught up in our daily routines, but by delegating tasks where you can, you can make better use of your time. We only have so much time in our lives, so it’s imperative you give conscious thought about deciding what your time is worth.
Deciding What’s Important
The first step is to decide what’s most important to you in life. For many, this comes down to family, friends, work, and leisure activities. However, life is filled with obligations that you may not find quite as enjoyable.
For example, I personally do not enjoy yard work. I’d much rather be spending time with friends/family, or working towards something that will make a positive impact in my life and the life of others. Most everything else I view as misuse of my time.
What Do You Have To Gain
The question you must ask yourself is, what do you have to gain from a certain activity? Does it add value to your life? Obviously, time spent with loved ones is well worth your time, but what about grocery shopping? Do you feel the act of grocery shopping improves your life? Personally, I find it to be a hassle, but some people may thoroughly enjoy it.
The key is to realize how you benefit from the situation. Does the activity help you build deeper connections with friends and family, relieve stress, gain a sense of accomplishment, or any number of beneficial outcomes? If so, retain that part of your life to ever improve your situation. However, if there’s a task you dislike, consider delegation.
Delegation Of Trivial Tasks
Everyone dislikes doing something. Whether it’s cleaning the house, grocery shopping, yard work, filing taxes, commuting, home repair, the list goes on. Instead of slaving away on these tasks on a regular basis, why not consider delegation?
Let’s say for example you’re working to start your own online business. In the corporate world, you’re able to make over $100k a year, but you’re ready to branch off on your own. Do you believe grocery shopping and house cleaning (low-wage work) is really worth your time? In your best interest, I believe it’s best to delegate those tasks to someone else so you can focus on activities that are worth your time.
Can you imagine Elon Musk or Bill Gates scrubbing floors or landscaping their own yards? Sounds kind of ridiculous, right? It’s because they have become masters of delegation, spending their time where it’s truly needed.
Pre-Delegation
Now, I know what you’re saying because I’m saying it too…I can’t afford to hire a _______. Maybe delegating monthly house cleaning, yard work, or grocery shopping isn’t in the budget right now. If this is the case, try and use your time wisely.
For example, while riding around on your lawn mower for an hour, listen to a podcast that may benefit you. Listen to music while cleaning to remove stress, or talk and connect with friends/family while driving. There are a number of ways to improve your life while performing trivial tasks. If you can’t afford to delegate the task, find a way to make the time work in your favor.
Deciding What Your Time Is Worth
I challenge you to decide what your time is worth. Is your time best spent cleaning, shopping, and trimming the yard, or do you have better use for your time? Delegate what you can to others and if you’re not financially ready to delegate, find a way to make that time work in your favor. Personally, when I find it’s best to delegate certain tasks, I use Thumbtack. The website is great for hiring local talent to help you focus on what’s most important.
What are your thoughts, are you efficient with your time? What are you doing to minimize trivial tasks and free up time to focus on what’s important in your life?
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