Sunday, January 1, 2006

Using Time Wisely
Time management is a subject that's always interested me. I've read extensively on it and have tried to practice the tips preached by so-called experts. Most of the time the tips haven't really led to anything tangible though.

Anyway, I was thinking about how to spend my time for 2006 and came up with a very useful list.

Basically, I asked myself: What types of things could never be a waste of time. My reasoning was, if I ever found myself lacking something to do, I could just fall back on one of the items on this list.

So without further ado, here it is:

1. Exercising

Exercise is one of the best investments you could ever make in terms of time. It pays you back many times over.

2. Reading quality works
3. Watching quality movies

Often I'll be reading something or watching a good movie and it'll spark a train of thought that'll inspire me to do something interesting. For example, I thought of the idea for Art of Otaku while watching a movie.

4. Learning a skill

I learned how to juggle one afternoon. Now I can juggle forever.

5. Doing something helpful to someone else

I don't think anyone could say this isn't worthwhile to do with your time.

6. Reflecting or taking a short break

You can only actively stuff for so long before getting burnt out. I take breaks on occassion and just sit around or play some mindless video game. I make sure I don't play for too long though (this is key!)

7. Eating a healthy meal

Same as exercise. You'll thank yourself later.

8. Creating something of value

This is related to my network duties, but can also be writing this blog post :).

9. Spending time with friends or family

Humans are social animals. There's no faster path to misery than always being by yourself.

10. Cleaning or decorating or improving your environment.

This one always helps make me feel better. It's instant gratification to improve your environment and makes you more productive in the future.

I know if I don't clean my apartment, I end up feeling really sluggish/lazy/gross, which affects how I spend my day.

Hope this list helped! If you have any other ideas, just post them here.
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