How could your life change if you prayed for 15 more minutes each day? How impactful would it be if you had more time to tell your children how proud you are of them and what amazing young adults they are becoming? How might you benefit from reading a helpful leadership or apologetics book? We can all agree that our life would be better if we could fit those things into our schedule. But where can we find the time?
The apostle Paul urged the Ephesians, “Pay careful attention, then, to how you live—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16). The King James Version uses the translation, “redeeming the time.” The idea is that time has been lost or squandered, but it can be reclaimed for better purposes. Wise leaders are always on the lookout for ways to repurpose wasted time.
Work responsibilities, health concerns, and family dynamics vary. The key is not for you to adopt my schedule but to carefully consider yours. Here are some examples of ways you could potentially regain wasted time in your day:
1. Get up 15 minutes earlier. This one seems obvious, but it can pay huge dividends. Don’t begin by getting up a full hour or two earlier. Start with fifteen minutes and have a plan for that time. If you intend to exercise, set your clothes and gear out the night before. If you plan to spend that time in Bible study, have your Bible and journal on hand. With only fifteen minutes, you can’t afford to dissipate time getting ready.
2. Listen to helpful podcasts while you drive. People often lament that they don’t have time to learn anything new. But if you commute to work or run errands, listening to educational podcasts while you drive is a great way to reclaim otherwise-squandered time.
3. Spend the last 30 minutes of your day reading. Rather than watching the news or scrolling social media, crack open an edifying, thought-provoking book and enjoy the last thirty minutes of your day. Keep a book by your bed or your favorite chair so it is easily accessible.
4. Make strategic calls while driving. I have a few appointments that require a 40-minute commute. I often wait until my drive to makes certain phone calls so they don’t eat up time I could otherwise be working at my desk or spending time with my family. Obviously, only implement this suggestion if you can make calls without holding your phone in your hand or being unduly distracted.
5. When flying, use the free Internet. I fly Delta, which offers free inflight Internet. I often log on and answer e-mails or other messages while I’m in the air so I can focus on other matters once I land.
6. Take Time to File! This point may seem mundane, but it can save a lot of time. I stay busy. When I finish one task, I immediately start another. It’s tempting not to properly file information and materials once a project is complete. For example, I give more than 200 public talks each year. After I finish a talk, I typically file my notes and any other pertinent information so I have a record of what I said if I ever return to that venue. During busy seasons, I may speak in four states in one week. At that pace, I’m tempted to toss my notes on my desk and frantically grab the next ones. But over time, my desk can become cluttered and information starts getting lost in the shuffle. Few things are as frustrating as looking everywhere for a lost document you know is somewhere in your office! Time spent looking for misplaced papers could be used more profitably on other things. It’s better to develop an efficient filing system and stick to it.
7. Exercise in the mornings. This suggestion may be up for debate. Some people prefer to exercise later in the afternoon after they’ve exhausted much of their mental energy. They argue that mornings are when they are at their best, so they prefer to fill that time with their most important work. I agree. But I tend to sweat when I exercise, which means I have to shower after I finish. If I exercise first thing in the morning, I only have to shower once per day, which ultimately saves me time.
8. Text or e-mail instead of calling. Again, this point is debatable. But when it comes to
saving time, texts are preferable to phone calls. There are certainly times when it’s necessary to connect with people on a personal level, which may require a voice call. But when simply delivering information or letting someone know you are thinking about them or praying for them, a quick text will usually suffice.
9. Consider time of day when making appointments. I live in Atlanta, so if I need to drive downtown for an appointment, I avoid rush hour at all costs. For most appointments, I choose the earliest available time slot, even if I have to drive in early and then read or answer e-mails until the office opens. I have found that many medical offices tend to run behind as the day progresses. A 1:30 p.m. appointment can easily become a 2:30 appointment because of the delays that accrue throughout the day. Therefore, earlier appointments run a lower risk of running behind.
10. Maximize your slow times. I am a busy person, but certain seasons are slower than others. For me, summer isn’t as busy as the spring and fall. So when I hit a slower stretch, I get organized. I try to get mundane tasks and appointments out of the way before my speaking and travel resumes its hectic pace. I use less-busy times to stock up on supplies or schedule car maintenance. If I am going to hire servicepeople to do work at my house, I may schedule 2-3 on the same day. That way I am tied down at home for just one day instead of three.
As a leader, time is your most precious resource. You may have more of it than you realize if you use it wisely!
