For close to two months, I’ve been focusing heavily on time management. The more I learned about the importance of managing my time efficiently, the more I realized how poorly I was performing.
During my research, I’ve discovered numerous experts on the subject and heard things that will stick with me for the rest of my life.
A particular instance came from when I was listening to a guy doing a Spaces on Twitter. During the Spaces, he said we don’t all have the same 24 hours. That struck me because I’ve never heard anyone say that before. Everyone always says, “We all have the same 24 hours, it’s just how you use it”.
As he continued to expound on the subject, it made perfect sense. 24 hours is not the same for everyone. There are people (i.e. high achievers) that move through space and time differently.
Once he was done, I couldn’t help but reflect on the other presentations and content I consumed around time management, and it all started tying together.
Delegation
High achievers don’t waste time on minuscule tasks that take them away from things that are going to move the needle. They delegate these tasks so they can put more focus, time, and effort into things that will make them more money or give them more time with their family.
Take for instance grocery shopping. Someone who’s moving through time at a faster pace isn’t wasting time in the grocery store. They know what they want, they go get it and they’re out. Some are even using services like Instacart because of the time it saves.
Now consider the average person at the grocery store, they’re using this time to unwind, taste the little treats that are being offered throughout the store, and browse isles in the event they see something they want to try.
This can take hours, as opposed to the high achiever who has their list, sticks to it, and leaves immediately. They are also strategic about when they go. They don’t have time to stand in long lines, they have things to do. So, they’ll go early in the morning before everyone gets up or they’ll use Instacart.
Another example is washing your car. How long does it take the average person to wash their car? 30 minutes, an hour, longer? Not a high achiever. This is another service they usually delegate. Instead of spending time washing a car, they have memberships at local car washes where they can go whenever they want and get a quick wash, or they have a car washing service come to them.
Grocery shopping and car washing are some general examples, but what about work life? This is where high achievers exercise the art of delegation at a high level.
They are constantly looking for ways and angles to do things more efficiently. For starters, they know their strengths and weaknesses. They don’t spend time on things they aren’t strong at. These tasks are quickly delegated to someone else so they can double down on the thing or things that make them special.
The difference between them and most people is that the average person is looking at the cost of hiring and paying someone else to do all these different things. However, if the time that is being saved is used to generate more revenue, it leads to more productivity.
Now let’s go back to the initial point. Who is using their time more efficiently? How much more is the average person getting done in 24 hours versus the high achiever?
Career
Before answering that question, think about how most people handle their careers. Let’s start with the high achievers. Another interesting point I heard about extremely successful people is they know how to fail quickly.
This is relevant to moving through time quickly because they will not waste time working on something or being a part of something that is not good for them. They quickly identify the writing on the wall and act.
They either pivot or completely change gears. They refuse to waste time on something that isn’t going anywhere. They value their time and understand that the quicker they sever ties and start something else, the better.
Now let’s analyze how the average person reacts. In many instances, people stay in situations that don’t serve them for months and even years before they make a change. They analyze the situation from all angles, get confirmation from friends and family, and ponder over the decision tirelessly before they act.
Whether it’s a job, a relationship (a topic for another day), or even making a purchase, it takes them forever to decide.
If you’re still reading, I’m sure you have someone in mind or a personal situation sticking out. Think about how much further along you would be if you acted quicker. How much better of a situation you would be in if you didn’t sit in it? How much time you could have saved?
Now ask yourself, are the people who delegate often and make quick decisions living the same 24 hours as everyone else?