3 Massive Time Sucks and What to Do About Them

Time sucks are those things you spend time on that might not be the best or most productive use of your time. Of course, we don't need to be busy or productive all the time. In fact, that's not the best use of our time either. But for most of us, there are a number of things we do each day or most days that we don't realize take up as much of our time as they do. A great example? Mindless scrolling on social media apps.

3 Massive Time Sucks and What to Do About Them

While social media is a popular one, everyone has different time sucks. Today, we're going to talk about three other big time sucks you might be dealing with, as well as what you can do about them. 

#1. Multitasking

Here’s the thing about multitasking: rather than helping you get multiple things done in a shorter time frame, it usually means completing things to a lesser quality, and not even that much quicker than if you devoted your efforts to one task at a time. 

In fact, a number of studies show that not only is multitasking not more effective than working on one thing at a time, it’s actually harmful to productivity altogether. 

To avoid this time suck, practice focusing on one thing at a time and watch how much more you’re able to get done!

#2. Misplaced priorities

We often find ourselves spending time on things we feel like we should be doing that aren’t actually moving us forward or aren’t the best uses of our time. But once you’re clear about what’s most important to you, you can prioritize your time and avoid this time suck. 

To begin doing this, I encourage you to take a look at this post: Time Management: How to Align Your Values AND Your Schedule. In it, you’ll learn how to be ruthless with your time by determining what you want more of in your life and what you want less of.

#3. Not delegating

Delegating doesn’t come naturally to everyone. But it’s an essential skill leaders need to develop in order to spend their time most efficiently and create powerful change in their businesses and their lives. 

If you’re doing everything yourself, you’re spending time on tasks that could quickly be outsourced. If you were to outsource some of these tasks, you’d then have more time to spend on the things that will be most transformative and beneficial to you. Want to learn how to start delegating more effectively? I have a whole post just on delegation for entrepreneurs right here. 

Becoming Aware of Your Time Sucks

This is a good place to start, but it often takes completing a time audit to find out exactly what your biggest time sucks are. Take a look at this post next to learn more about time audits. And don’t miss our upcoming mini-course where you can learn how to get four hours of your week back!