Increasing Your Personal Efficiency: Get More Done with Less

In today's world, there always seems to be a focus on "more, more, more." Most people seem focused on finding ways to make more money, own more possessions, and occupy more of their time with work and other worthwhile pursuits. While some of these tendencies can be quite productive and even admirable, this kind of "go-go-go" mentality does tend to create a lot of personal stress. Instead of constantly looking for ways to acquire more of what you don't have, perhaps it's time to concentrate on doing more with what you already have. The end result can be an increase in your personal efficiency as well as a reduction in personal stress.

Set Your Personal Priorities

It's simply not realistic to imagine that everyone has exactly the same personal priorities. For example, while one person might put a strong focus on their career, another person might place their highest priority on their family life. In order to increase your personal efficiency and get more done with less, it's important to understand what is personally most important to you. Then, look for ways to focus more of your time on these areas, while focusing less time on the things that really aren't that important to you. You might be surprised how much time you'll be able to save, simply by cutting the unimportant things out of your life. Instead of feeling guilty about not being able to get everything done, you'll feel free and empowered by knowing that everything you do really does count in your life.

Take a Household Inventory

Have you ever put an item on your shopping list, only to discover after you've purchased it that you already had the item stashed on a shelf and didn't really need to buy it after all? Being disorganized and not keeping track of your household inventory are prime culprits in these situations. Instead of wasting money on things you don't really need, take a good household inventory and then maintain it. You might be surprised how much money and time you'll save, and how much stress and worry you will prevent.

Find Ways to Use What You Already Have

Once you've taken your household inventory, look for ways to use up what you already have. It might take a bit of creative thinking, but with a little effort you'll be able to use up that package of bar soap that nobody ever seems to use instead of buying yet another bottle of shower gel. Before spending money on new kitchen curtains, check your fabric stash to see if you have what you need to sew your own curtains. You'll save money while also helping to clear out some of the clutter that you've been accumulating.

You should also resist the urge the spend money on items that you don't really need. For example, before you buy those holiday themed placemats, think about where you would store them when they're not being used, as well as how much use you would really get out of them. If you think before you buy, many times you'll decide that you don't really need the item after all.