by Trent Lorcher

Created on: August 05, 2008   Last Updated: August 22, 2008

Every human being has 24 hours per day. Some pass those hours inefficiently moving from one incomplete task to another, spending too little time with loved ones, investing too little time in physical and mental self-improvement, and treading water financially. Whereas others move efficiently from task to task, enjoy fulfilling relationships, find time for exercise and education, and excel financially.

If you're looking for a huge breakthrough, you're sure to be disappointed. The true breakthrough involves implementing every day time saving solutions. Here are some time saving tips to help your life run more smoothly.

SCHEDULE YOUR PRIORITIES

The inefficient time manager heads to bed, unfulfilled, despite having checked off most of the "important" items on the days to do list. The inefficient time manager prioritizes her schedule instead of scheduling her priorities. Don't let the to do list dictate your needs; let your needs dictate the to do list.

COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR SPOUSE

Sit down together on Sunday evening and go over what needs to be done that week and who's going to do it. Review doctor's appointments, social activities, and chores. Formulate a plan, set goals and encourage each other. Call babysitters, and assign duties. Fifteen minutes of planning saves hours during the week.

WAKE UP EARLY

An hour of exercise, studying, reading, or working before the kids wake up, the boss comes in, or the TV turns on gives you a head start on the day. If you're not an early riser, become one and reap the benefits of a time efficient life.

MAKE IT AUTOMATIC

Pay bills online automatically instead of writing checks. Don't stop there. Contribute to a retirement account or a savings account automatically. If you're not sure how it's done, contact your bank, your broker, or your mortgage company.

PLAN MEALS IN ADVANCE

An entire day can be wasted lugging children around a crowded grocery store searching for that night's dinner. Make a list of meals for the week and write out the ingredients. This 20-minute exercise will save you several hours in shopping. Rotating simple meals on a regular basis makes the task even easier.

USE THAT REFRIGERATOR SPACE

Items inside your refrigerator make the difference between a healthy or an unhealthy life. Items on the outside of your refrigerator make the difference between an efficient or an inefficient life. Post a monthly calendar, frequently used phone numbers, goals, reminders, and quick recipes. Don't stop there. There's plenty of easily accessible space inside your cupboards for emergency phone numbers, or upcoming birthdays.

KEEP KEY ITEMS IN STOCK

You know you're going to need toilet paper and you know you're going to run out soon. Why waste time and risk embarrassment with a time-consuming emergency shopping trip? When you're almost out of an important item, make a note (on a list conveniently posted on your refrigerator) and get it the next time you're at the store.

These small and simple solutions will produce big rewards, so stop wasting time and start doing them!

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