How to Make Time
We have all been in that predicament, we want to accomplish more but run out of time to do it. What if I told you there was a way to create more time. Well that is impossible, BUT there is way to eliminate the distractions from your life, and do other tasks faster. These principles come from Timmothy Ferriss’ The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich. To free up our time we need to use the 80/20 rule and work remotely.
The 80/20 Rule
The 80/20 Rule states that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. Alternatively coined the Pareto Principle, this technique can be used to free up time in your day by following these simple steps.
- Determine what 20% of your input leads to 80% of your output
- Find ways to cut down on the input that does NOT effect your output
- Arrange your priorities to that 20% and eliminate the amount of useless work you complete
After following these simple steps, your workload should be cut down significantly. At this point, you need to determine what part of your workflow is producing an output to no purpose and eliminate it. Use this freed up time to purse your passions, or work on a personal project.
Working Remotely
To have complete range over your workload it is important that your try your absolute hardest to work remotely. This enables more flexibility; therefore, it is easier to eliminate distractions, and free up your time. This sounds great right? well what is the best way to bring the idea to your boss. Ferris proposes an idea called the “Puppy Dog Close” which basically states that you are going to try to work remotely just this once.
When you bring the idea to “try to work from home just this once”, you have to make sure your boss is aware that his is entirely reversible so he is more likely to say yes. During this week, you need to work as hard as you possible can. You need to prove that this will make you MORE efficient (it will). This way after your trial run, you can propose the idea to make it more permanent.
Conclusion
Working a 9-5 office job everyday for years will leave you with no time to purse your passions or dreams. It leads to us asking ourselves, “How do we free up time?” This is easily obtainable by using the Pareto Principle, and trying to work remotely.