As I was inputting the 10th password guess in an attempt to log into my Twitter account I thought about something: How much time do I waste every day just guessing my damn password? What else am I wasting time on every day that I don’t even realize? Doesn’t all of this add up?
And so this blog post was born. It turns out there’s probably a lot of ways you and I are probably wasting time every single day without even realizing. But a few simple changes could save you a lot of time moving forward.
Here are some little ways you’re wasting time every day and how to fix them.
1. Guessing passwords
I find myself guessing passwords for almost every site I belong to because I struggle to remember which ones I’ve changed and what I’ve changed them to. It wastes a lot more time every day than I think, especially when there are so many accounts I log into on a daily basis.
Solution: So a document named “Passwords” might not be the brightest idea, especially on a shared computer. Keep a surreptitiously named document like “AP Bio HW part one” or “Q1 Predictions” and keep your passwords and usernames for sites you frequently visit in it. Or, try one of the many apps in the app store that are meant for storing your passwords.
2. Deleting/sorting through junk email
I mention this in so many posts but I truly cannot express just how much time junky, irrelevant email notifications take up. Or how much time it takes to sort through and delete these emails. It can also lead to you missing important emails, too.
Solution: Use the handy website Unroll.me that lets you unsubscribe from mass email newsletters you might not even notice you’re subscribed to. Or take the time to unsubscribe for all of the newsletters you don’t want or remember even signing up for.
3. Setting multiple alarms just to wake up
I’m a morning person, so I can’t say I’ve ever really done this. BUT if you set multiple alarms to force yourself out of bed, it’s not always efficient. There are other ways to wake you up that are worth at least trying.
Solution: Set one alarm. Make it loud. Put your phone across the room so you have to get up to turn it off. Gradually train yourself to wake up with just one alarm.
Read More: 13 ways to live smarter this year
4. Putting things you use often out of reach
You can spend quite a bit of time retrieving things you use or wear often, you might not be organizing your belongings in the most efficient system. Although it’s not always possible to keep everything out and within reach, becoming aware of how you spend time in your morning/night routine and how you can rearrange your belongings to make it more streamlined could help.
Solution: If you use the same beauty/makeup products each day, find a storage solution that keeps them within your reach. If you’re always searching your car keys, hang a hook next to your door. If you charge your phone while in bed often, get an extension cord that allows you to charge your phone from your bed without digging around for your charger every night. If you drink water each day, move your Brita to the front of the fridge or leave it in the door.
5. Not having a list of shows/movies to watch
Nothing is quite as draining as scrolling through hundreds of titles just to find something to watch. Sometimes you even end up watching nothing at all. But, if you know what you’re hoping to watch in advance, you can save yourself potentially hours of mindless scrolling.
Solution: Make a list on your phone, sort it by genre (horror/documentary/sitcom). Take advantage of the Watch Later list feature on YouTube. Make a to-watch list on Hulu/Amazon Prime/Netflix.
6. Not having a list of places to eat/grab a coffee
I’ve gotten sick of making plans in a neighborhood and then being totally stumped on where to go or where to eat. It can take quite some time to figure out a decent place that’s within walking distance of where you plant to meet someone or where you need to be, especially in New York City.
Solution: Pin things on Google Maps. This is so fun, you can organize them by category/location and it’s a great way to save time down the line when you’re in Midtown and need a place to grab dinner ASAP. I can now plan for a spot to grab dinner, lunch, coffee, or dessert in almost any place in Manhattan and it’s been so handy for meeting friends after work. I’ve also sorted it by “Tried and true” places when I want a place I know I’ve enjoyed or regular places that could be worth trying for the first time.
7. Sending indirect text messages, especially when making plans
I hate hate hate getting vague messages asking if/when I’m free. It’s like a TRAP. Getting a vague “Are you free Saturday?” text is annoying. WHY do you want to know? If I say yes will I automatically be suckered into a plan I don’t want to be involved in lest I make up an excuse? Why can’t you just ask right off the bat? Beating around the bush or being deliberately vague with indirect messages are one of many ways you’re wasting time every day and it can cause frustration and stress for the receiver of the messages.
Solution: If you want to make plans, give a range of times and dates right off the bat. If you’re asking for a favor, ask. Avoid those “Hey, are you busy tonight?” messages and replace it with “Are you busy tonight? I was thinking about ordering pizza and watching a movie at 8 if you’d wanna join!” Replace “Hey, can I ask you something” with the straight-up question.
What are some ways you boost your productivity?
