How To Avoid Falling into the Time Deficit Trap

These days, it seems more people feel like they're short on time, falling into traps of panic and procrastination. The chance of getting back on track gets smaller with each missed deadline. Important things get postponed, while tasks with no real long-term benefit become top priority. For instance, you might start cleaning your house while ignoring an assignment that's a week overdue.

As a result, people feel they don't lack time but fear losing control of time-sensitive projects and struggle to plan their future. They try to convince themselves there's not enough time to finish everything, even when there are enough working hours, which impacts productivity negatively. Here are a few ways to get rid of that uneasy feeling:

Sort out your priorities to avoid time pressures

People who always feel short on time are very good at ignoring meaningful everyday things, such as relationships, exercise, or reading. Small tasks seem more important to them, while the list of important things gets ignored. Instead of complaining, state what's a priority and what's not, so next time you want to say, "I don’t have time for sports," try saying, "Doing sports isn't my priority." You might find you spend too much time on one job, while other activities could be crossed off your list.

Try working on complex tasks when you’re most productive

Constantly thinking about deadlines is the best way to kill any productivity you have. These thoughts echo in your head, even when you're trying to work. This results in many mistakes and yet another deadline delay. Don’t wait around thinking if you'll finish on time. What you need to ask yourself is, "When is the best time for me to tackle the task and give it my all?"

For example, if you're more productive in the afternoon, it's a good time to start that important assignment without time constraints. We also recommend you work as much as you can before the weekend starts. That way, you'll reduce unnecessary stress, get a good rest, and be ready for the next working week.

Don’t be afraid to be generous with your time

Feeling chronically short of time can make a person count every second of their life: how many minutes they spend in a queue, in traffic on the way to work, or at the doctor's. Psychologists suggest being generous with your time. Soon, you'll realise you have plenty of it.

Of course, we can’t control everything, but how we react to it is our responsibility