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DO YOU REALLY WANT (or need) 7 MORE HOURS IN YOUR DAY?

By
Real Estate Agent with Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage

I was reading on Flipboard (one of my fave items on my ipad) an article titled "How to Get 7 More Hours in your Day" and my curiosity got the better of me . . .

What would I do with a 31 hour day?

To be honest, my first thought was MORE SLEEP!

But wouldn't that defeat the purpose?

The article started with tip #1 being "Handle things once (saves 15 to 20 minutes)"

I do that already.  This is something I learned way back when the Paper Dragon regularly threw up in my office!

Tip #2 was "Don't listen to the news first thing in the morning (30 minutes)"

Stopped that years ago too . . .  something about depressing not getting my engine running  . . .

Tip #3 ?

"Make good use of waiting time (30 minutes)"

You guessed it . . .  I learned this lesson many years ago too and always have something to do when I am forced to wait for someone to play catch up.  Don't get me started on this HUGE pet peeve of mine!!!

Looks like I'm already missing out on 1 hour and 20 minutes of my day (or am I ahead already?)

Tip #4, the jury is still out on this one.  It is what we call Multi-Tasking.  It was something that most of us do naturally but what can easily be turned into an exercise in futility if not used correctly.  There is nothing wrong with completing one task whilst waiting for another to come to fruition.  Such as having dinner cooking in the oven while you play fetch with the dogs.  But when you find yourself with several different projects incomplete and your head in a spin?  That is not multi-tasking.  100% is the goal; 100% complete and 100% your best effort.  Not, oh I work better under pressure and to a deadline.  NO YOU DON'T so stop trying to fool yourself!  That is just what you're used to doing!!   OOOPS, off on a tangent again.

Tip #5 says to "Be decisive and move on (up to 60 minutes)"   Another Pet Peeve of mine.  I used to dine with people who couldn't never make up their minds on what to order.  After 20 minutes of studying a 1 page menu they would then ask the waiter "So is this  special/fish/steak good today?"   As if the waiter was going to know what their personal likes and dislikes were or as if he would respond back with "Well the Cod is crap today and the Salmon stinks . . ."   Servers hate this and your fellow diners hate this -  someone had to say it!!

I still haven't made up any lost time yet - darn!

I love Tip #6 and took it on as my own many many years ago - "Lighten up on your cleaning standards (30 to 45 minutes)"

I live in a HOME with 2 shedding dogs and have come to the point in my life where I simply do not notice disorder until we have company arriving.  Then it is everyone to their stations and our HOME becomes a HOUSE BEAUTIFUL!

To Do Lists - do you do them?   I was faithful to a written list for years until technology jumped in to save my life.  Tip #7 "Write it down (60 minutes)" 
Siri is my new best friend and she keeps me on track for everything!

Tip  #8 "Turn off technology during your high-energy time (90 minutes)"  Now this can't possibly work for me because I need access to my technology when my energy is high because that's when I write my blogs, create my marketing pieces, my newsletters, etc.   Must be for another profession than ours!!

#9 "Monitor time-sapping addictions (60 minutes)"  Okay, MAYBE I could reduce a bit of TV time but I think I've already done that by using my DVR and fast-forwarding through commercials etc.   Taping shows to watch when I WANT TO WATCH them rather than when they are scheduled.   I think I've done this one already too!

Hopefully, some of these tips will help you add 7 more hours to your day but I feel like, as an adult, I mastered these 30 years ago.  This leaves me, Susan Emo, with time I can dedicate to you and your home buying and selling in Gananoque, Kingston or the 1000 Islands Area!  You know how to find me . . .




Posted by

If you're thinking about selling, I'd love to meet with you and provide a Market Analysis and go over my Marketing Plan - it is the little things that make the difference.**

 Susan Emo
Sales Representative,
Sotheby's International Realty Canada, Brokerage*
Kingston, Ontario

www.SusanEmoSellsHomes.com

 Serving the Kingston, Gananoque and the 1000 Islands Region
- come for a visit and stay for a lifetime!

*Each office independently owned and operated.
** There is nothing on this blog that is intended to solicit business from anyone already under contract with another Realtor

The opinions expressed on this blog are the personal opinions of Susan Emo

If you are a non-member and would like to comment, please feel free to contact me.

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Comments (50)

Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Susan...

I think, as you correctly stated, that most real estate agents do most of things already, because they HAVE to!

Aug 01, 2012 09:24 PM
R.E. Renée Hoover, Salesperson
Century 21 Geba Realty, Milford, PA; Licensed in PA & NYS - Milford, PA
Poconos, Pike, Wayne, Monroe Counties, PA; PA/NYS

Susan, enjoyed the post and the humor! 

Aug 01, 2012 09:38 PM
Bryant Tutas
Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL
Selling Florida one home at a time

Well I do all of those.

  1. I complete tasks when I start them
  2. I never watch the news. Morning or anytime else.
  3. I return calls while driving. On a headset of course. I send emails and update websites while waiting on hold with short sale lenders.
  4. I multitask all day long
  5. I make decisions quickly
  6. My cleaning standards are easy. I have a wife :)
  7. I make a to do list every day at the end of my work day
  8. I shut OFF my phone and computer at 8pm with no exceptions.
  9. I watch about 90 minutes of TV in the evenimngs. Usually a movie. Then I read for 2 hours.

I don't need more time. My days are pretty much non hectic and very relaxing.

So I guess I agree with all 8 points in your article.

Aug 01, 2012 10:35 PM
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

Good morning, Susan. I do all of them except for #8 because technology is essential for me to be productive, usually. And yet, where are my 7 extra hours?! I'd even settle for an extra 30 minutes to sit in the hammock!

Aug 01, 2012 10:56 PM
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

Good post Susan.  I don't need 7 more hours in the day.  I work pretty efficiently and also have a good amount of relax and down time.  

Aug 01, 2012 10:59 PM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Susan, I think it is all a matter of time management and using your time productively. Good points and post!

Aug 01, 2012 11:01 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I'm convinced I don't need another 7 hours a day to accomplish what I'd like.  What I really need is another couple of bodies to plug into my head to perform all I'd like to do:-)

Aug 01, 2012 11:15 PM
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Thanks everyone for popping in with your comments.  I'm running short of time this morning because I didn't allocate time for a featured post!!!!  LOL   I hope to make it back later to respond but if not, you're each very much appreciated :0)

Aug 01, 2012 11:23 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

This fascination with sleep needs to be re-examined. We will have plenty of time for that....Life and the living of same..now that's a subject worthy to not just explore, but live and suck the marrow out of....LIFE

Aug 01, 2012 11:45 PM
Eileen Hsu
Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Manhattan, NY
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Turning off technology in your high energy time is a great tip.  Not getting distracted when you are ready to get some work done sounds simple enough, but remaining focused is the name of the game.

Aug 01, 2012 11:46 PM
Vanessa Saunders
Global Property Systems Real Estate - White Plains, NY
Real Estate | Done Differently

These tips are quite helpful, but unfortunately, life gets in the way of our best intentions sometimes!

Aug 02, 2012 12:05 AM
Charlie Dresen
The Group, Inc - Steamboat Springs, CO
Steamboat Springs, CO e-Pro

I think that even if there were seven more hours in the, at the end, we'd still want seven more.

Aug 02, 2012 12:08 AM
Chris and Dick Dovorany
Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida - Naples, FL
Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty

Wow, you have it all together.  I watch the news, start my day when I want, listen to the radio while driving etc.

It all gets done in a timely manner but I do have more to life than real estate.  Having said all of that, you sound like a terrific agent.

Aug 02, 2012 12:34 AM
Ciara Brennan
Mass Homes Realty - Hanover, MA

Great list Susan! Tip 3 is a great one. 

Aug 02, 2012 12:36 AM
Kim Boekholder Utah Real Estate/ PECO
Results Real Estate 801.580.5624 - Draper, UT
Broker Results Real Estate/Leasing Specialist PECO

While I do most of the items you listed, I definetley need to get better at the TV time, I often wonder how much more time I would have in the day if I didn't have a tv or better yet if I had never started a FB account.   I do love Bryan's list, its effiicient and does sound like a relaxing day 

Aug 02, 2012 12:43 AM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Hi Susan, all great tips and I especially like the cleaning...  Had a cleaning lady and when she stopped, I couldn't find anyone as good as her...except me :)  I do a little every day now so as it does not get to be a chore. 

Aug 02, 2012 07:42 AM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Susan - I'm using some of these.  Playing in the Rain while watching a movie that I used with DVR to avoid all commercials.  There are others I could do better.

Aug 02, 2012 03:25 PM
Sandy Acevedo
951-290-8588 - Chino Hills, CA
RE/MAX Masters, Inland Empire Homes for Sale

HI Susan, great list! And I love the gotcha call to action at the end of the blog post. Well done.   

Aug 03, 2012 11:41 AM
Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

Probably the same person that found 57 states LOL. I think I have all the time in the world so I will just roll with it

Aug 05, 2012 12:29 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

One way to save time is NOT get your post featured....takes time to answer all the comments.

Love the blog and your new photo.

Margart

Aug 06, 2012 11:54 AM