Time is the great equalizer. We all have the same number of hours in the day and the same number of days in a year. Time is not the problem and that is why some people can accomplish many things while others find themselves struggling with fitting the important things in their schedule and being productive and successful. The term productivity can be hard to define, but here is the definition I use. To be productive is to do the things that you value most of the time.

If you want to make the best of your time, you need to figure out what you want your life to look like and fill your schedule with things that will lead you to that life.

Strategies to make the best of your time from Laura Vanderkam:

1. Set a bedtime

This is a simple rule that can be difficult to establish, but it will bring incredible results. To set a bedtime, you need to figure out how much time you need and work with your constraints to figure out when to go to sleep. This strategy brings an obvious benefit: you will have more energy during the day to do the things you want to do. It also comes with a not-so-obvious benefit: by adding structure to your day, you will set yourself up to make the best out of your waking hours.

Example: I know, from experience, that my body needs a little over seven hours of sleep to function optimally. I also know that I need to be awake at 5:20 am to minimize stress as I get ready to drive to work. Working back from 5:20 am, I need to sleep before 10:20 pm. And my bedtime is 10:00 pm.

2. Plan your week on Friday

Friday is not the time where we start big projects. It’s usually a time to wrap things up and engage in some lower energy tasks. It’s a good time to plan ahead and schedule meetings both professional and personal. It allows you to plan for your weekend so that you don’t end up wasting it.

3. Move by 3pm

Move for at least 10 minutes in the first half of the day. Regardless of your work out habits, it’s important to move specially if your job is in an office where you spend over eight hours sitting at a desk.

4. Three times a week is a habit

Anything that happens three times a week is a habit, and it can be part of your identity.

5. Create a backup slot

Set a backup time for the important things in your schedule. One way to make this easier is to set a day for all the rescheduling like Friday.

6. One big adventure | One little adventure

During every week, do two out-of-the-ordinary memorable things. One big adventure, something that takes 3-4 hours. One little adventure, something that might take an hour or so.Here are some ideas:-Try a new sport: golf, disc golf, tennis, pickle ball, etc.-Go roller skating or roller blading-Go ice skating-Go see the sunset at the beach-Go to a new trail-Go to a local concert-Volunteer-Eat somewhere fancy by yourself-Go see a musical-Drive to another state/province

7. Take one night for you

Do something every week that isn’t work, just for yourself. Commit to doing it every week.Example: Sign up for a weekly yoga or dance class.

8. Batch the little things

Don’t use the little things you have to do as an excuse to do deep work. Set a time every day or a day every week to do the little things you have to do. Example: Make 4-5pm every day your time to answer non-urgent emails and fill out HR forms.

9. Do the effortful before the effortless

Most of us have hours wasted every week in small bursts of 10 minutes while waiting in line and in-between meetings. In those times, we default to the effortless activities such as scrolling on our phones. That time can be redeemed if we set up activities, we can engage in that may require a bit more effort but propel us toward something we want to accomplish. Example: Listen to part of an audiobook.