If you've been reading this series thus far, you know that there are some standard tools for time management: a calendar/planner, a to-do list and a stopwatch or timer. But there are a few more resources you might not have thought of that can help you get more done in less time.
1. Other people. Building your network isn't just a good idea for increasing your opportunities; it can also help you save time. The more people you know—and the more types of people you know—the more resources you have for information and assistance. You could look up some obscure point of law, or you could call your buddy the lawyer and ask about it. Similarly, you could learn how to use a piece of software and design a flyer, or you could hire (or trade services with) a designer you know.
2. Your phone. No, I'm not talking about smartphone productivity apps, although I'm sure there are hundreds of them out there and quite a few of them are useful. What I'm talking about is using your phone instead of email or travel. If you need a quick bit of info, just call someone. And before you go anywhere, call first to confirm. As awesome as the 21st-century phone technology is, its 19th-century use can save you an awful lot of time.
3. A puppy.
4. The words "Sorry, but I can't." Much has been written about the value of "NO," but that's a word that comes kinda hard to creative folks who try to say "yes" to as much as possible in life. So buffer it, if you need to. Add in an apology, shift the fault to some nebulous force that simply won't allow you to do something, do whatever you need to do to say "no," but say it. "No" is best applied when you're already operating at maximum capacity, when you get a funny feeling about a project or when you know you need to spend some time taking care of yourself.
5. The words "Could I get an extension?" When you're in dire straits deadline-wise, you might have to take the not-quite-nuclear option here. (The nuclear option would be failing spectacularly, and that's no option at all.) You might have a harder time asking for a deadline extension than you have telling someone "no," and there's no guarantee of a good response to this question, but sometimes people will surprise you. Better to ask for an extension than to do mediocre work or endanger your health (or both).
6. Your willingness to learn new tactics and repeat them until they become habits. All of the tips and strategies I've outlined in this series will be as useless as the pet rock unless they're implemented on a consistent basis. What truly makes these things useful and meaningful is what you do with them.
Have I overlooked anything? What are some things you use in your life to manage time that don't fall under the typical "time management tool" header? Let me know in the comments!
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