Comments on: Recapturing Wasted Time

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:49:35 +0000

I frequently ask myself – “is this what I need to be doing right now?” Another thing I ask myself is “what else needs to be done right now?” Both of these questions will frequently get me back on track. I think this works if you don’t have 1 big goal you are working towards, but just trying to accomplish day to day things. I love your question as it forces you to compare what you are currently doing with your big goal.

By: shannon

shannon — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:55:44 +0000

I used to think I didn’t have enough time to do all the things I needed and wanted to do. It’s baloney. I recently quit my job and have all the time in the world. I still don’t get done what I don’t WANT to do. It’s can’t vs. won’t everytime. People say they can’t which really means they aren’t willing to do it.

By: Marianne

Marianne — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:02:34 +0000

I always try to be productive while I watch TV. I do enjoy relaxing and watching TV but I need to be doing something productive with my hands at the same time or I feel uneasy. Sometimes I knit or do other craft projects. Sometimes I clean or file paperwork..

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:42:48 +0000

Good advice here. I thought that not having a TV would mean that I would be able to avoid that particular time-sink. However, many shows are available online, through things like the BBC’s iplayer (for the Brits). So I still had several hours a day being wasted in front of my laptop. I realised that avoiding wasting time really takes a conscious effort and since I’m by no means an expert, articles like this really help me to focus on what’s important.

By: The Simple Dollar Weekly Roundup: Daylight Savings Time Edition | The Simple Dollar

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:01:57 +0000

[...] Recapturing Wasted Time We all waste time. The question is how can we still get value out of that waste. (@ saving advice) [...]

By: Julie

Julie — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 23:30:03 +0000

I can’t tell you how many time I have heard people comment that they don’t have time to do a variety of cost saving jobs (make their own lunch/dinner, cut coupons, etc) and yet they can tell you the plot of virtually every TV sitcom and they all know every contestant on Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, etc.

I watch about 1 hour of TV per week and I might spend 1 or 2 hours per week reading on the Web. I have managed to raise 3 kids, have a succesful career, cook most meals, clean my own 4 bedroom house and grow a garden most summers. Sure, I might get everything done that is on my list at the end of the day, but I usually go to bed feeling satisfied that I made the most of the time I had.

Personally I don’t need hours of non productive leisure time. I would much rather putter in my garden or make something interesting for dinner.