30 Things That Waste Your Time
Time is a valuable resource, and it’s important to use it wisely. Unfortunately, there are many things that can waste your time without you even realising it. Here are 30 things that you should avoid doing if you want to make the most of your time.
1. Procrastinating
Procrastination wastes time and can prevent goal accomplishment. It often happens when tasks are difficult, time-consuming, or unpleasant, causing long-term stress and anxiety. To combat procrastination, break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, set specific deadlines, focus on task completion benefits rather than the effort required, and remember the consequences of missing deadlines and use them as motivation to complete tasks on time.
2. Checking social media too often
Checking social media too often can waste a lot of your time. Limiting social media usage can help you avoid wasting time. Instead of scrolling through your feed throughout the day, try using productivity apps or deleting social media apps from your phone. By being mindful of your social media usage, you can save valuable time and increase productivity.
3. Watching TV for hours on end
Watching TV for hours on end can be a major time-waster. While it can be a good way to relax after a long day, it’s important to set limits and avoid spending too much time watching TV. Consider setting a daily time limit, or find alternative ways to unwind that don’t involve screen time, such as reading, going for a walk, or spending time with loved ones. This can help you make better use of your time and be more productive in other areas of your life.
4. Spending too much time on your phone
Spending too much time on your phone can waste time, distract you from important tasks, and prevent you from engaging in meaningful activities. To reduce phone use, try setting app limits, using phone tracking apps, and prioritising tasks. Set specific times of the day to check your phone instead of constantly checking it. By being more mindful of phone use, you can reclaim time and focus on more important activities.
5. Being disorganised
Being disorganised can waste significant amounts of time as you may spend more time searching for important items or documents, trying to remember important details, or fixing mistakes caused by disorganisation. It’s important to take the time to organise your work space, prioritise tasks, and develop systems that work for you to minimise the time spent on disorganisation.
6. Failing to plan your day
Failing to plan your day can lead to wasted time and decreased productivity. It’s important to take a few minutes each morning (or the evening before) to prioritise your tasks and create a plan for how you will accomplish them. This can help you stay on track throughout the day and avoid getting side tracked by less important tasks. Additionally, having a plan can help you feel more in control of your time and reduce stress. Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail.
7. Not meal planning
Not meal planning can waste a lot of time throughout the week. Without a plan, it can be difficult to know what to cook each day, which can lead to last-minute trips to the supermarket or ordering takeout. This can be not only time-consuming but also more expensive than planning meals in advance. Additionally, not meal planning can lead to unhealthy eating habits, which can have negative effects on both your physical and mental well-being. Keep a note of a few go-to meals to have on rotation. This will make meal planning easier.
8. Saying “yes” to everything
Saying “yes” to everything can waste your time because it can lead to over commitment and taking on more than you can handle. It’s important to learn to say “no” and prioritise your time effectively. Evaluate each request or opportunity carefully and only say “yes” if it aligns with your goals and values.
9. Multitasking
Multitasking can be a big waste of time because it can lead to decreased productivity and increased stress. When you try to do multiple tasks at once, your brain has to constantly switch back and forth between them, which can make it difficult to concentrate on any one task for an extended period of time. This can lead to more errors and a longer time to complete each task. It’s better to focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention, which will likely lead to better results in less time.
10. Spending too much time on email
Spending too much time on email can be a productivity killer. While it’s important to stay on top of your inbox and respond to important messages in a timely manner, it’s easy to get caught up in reading and responding to every email that comes your way. To avoid wasting time on email, try setting aside specific times of the day to check and respond to messages, and avoid checking your email during other times. You can also use filters to prioritise and organise your inbox, making it easier to focus on the most important messages first. Unsubscribe to emails you are no longer interested in.
11. Sitting in traffic
Sitting in traffic can be a major time waster, especially if you commute to work or have to travel frequently. It can be frustrating to sit in a car or on public transportation for hours, and it can throw off your entire schedule for the day. To avoid wasting time in traffic, consider alternative transport options, such as biking or walking or taking public transport. You can also use the time in traffic to catch up on work or personal tasks, such as listening to audiobooks, making phone calls, or planning out your day.
12. Waiting in queues
Waiting in queues can be a major time-waster, especially if the line is long or slow-moving. To avoid wasting time in queues, consider going at off peak hours when there are fewer people, finding alternative ways to accomplish the task at hand, or using the time productively by listening to a podcast or reading a book. In some cases, it may be possible to use apps or services that allow you to skip the queue altogether, such as mobile ordering or online check-in for appointments. By being proactive and creative, you can make the most of your time and avoid wasting it in queues.
13. Getting lost on the internet
Getting lost on the internet can be a huge time-waster. You might start out searching for something specific, but before you know it, you’ve spent hours scrolling through social media or watching cat videos (oops, guilty ☝). To avoid getting lost on the internet, try setting a time limit for yourself or using specific websites or apps that block distracting content. It’s also a good idea to prioritise your online tasks and limit your browsing time to specific times of the day.
14. Overthinking
Overthinking can waste a lot of time and energy. It involves dwelling on a problem or situation for too long and often leads to negative outcomes such as anxiety or indecisiveness. It’s important to recognise when you’re starting to overthink and take steps to redirect your focus or seek help if necessary. Strategies to avoid overthinking can include mindfulness techniques, breaking down a problem into smaller, more manageable parts, or seeking the perspective of a trusted friend or mentor.
15. Complaining
Complaining can be a significant waste of time. While it’s important to express your concerns and frustrations, constantly complaining without taking action or finding solutions can be unproductive. It can also bring down the mood and productivity of the people around you. Instead, try to focus on finding solutions or ways to improve the situation. If there’s nothing you can do to change the situation, try to shift your focus to something positive or productive.
16. Dwelling on the past
Dwelling on the past is a common way to waste time. While it’s important to reflect on the past and learn from mistakes, constantly reliving past experiences can prevent you from moving forward and making progress in the present. It’s important to focus on the present moment and take action towards your goals rather than dwelling on things that cannot be changed.
17. Worrying about the future
Worrying about the future can be a major time-waster, as it often involves speculating about what may or may not happen. While it’s important to plan for the future and make responsible decisions, worrying excessively about what might happen can be counterproductive and can prevent you from focusing on the present moment. Instead, try to focus on what you can control in the present, and take steps to prepare for the future in a way that feels manageable and productive.
18. Focusing on things you can’t control
Focusing on things you can’t control refers to spending too much time worrying about things that are beyond your control. This can include things like the weather, other people’s opinions, or unexpected events. By focusing on things that you can’t change, you are wasting your time and energy that could be better spent on things that you can control. Instead, try to focus on things that you can do to improve your situation and let go of things that are out of your control.
19. Being indecisive
Being indecisive can waste a lot of time, as it can lead to a person being stuck in analysis paralysis. When faced with a decision, it’s important to gather the necessary information, weigh the pros and cons, and then make a decision. Indecisiveness can also lead to missed opportunities and a lack of progress, which can ultimately hinder personal and professional growth.
20. Not delegating tasks
Not delegating tasks can waste your time because it can lead to you feeling overwhelmed and overworked. If you try to do everything yourself, you may not have enough time to complete everything on your plate. Delegating tasks to others can help you to save time and reduce stress, allowing you to focus on the tasks that are most important and require your attention. It can also help to build trust and collaboration with others in your team or organisation.
21. Not setting goals
Not setting goals can waste your time by causing you to lack direction and purpose. Without clear goals, it is easy to get side tracked, waste time on unimportant tasks, or spend time on activities that do not align with your overall objectives. Setting goals can help you stay focused, prioritise your time, and work towards achieving meaningful results.
22. Not prioritising your tasks
Not prioritising your tasks can lead to wasted time and decreased productivity. It’s important to identify which tasks are most important and prioritise them accordingly. This can involve setting deadlines, breaking larger tasks into smaller ones, and using tools such as to-do lists or calendars to keep track of your priorities. By prioritising your tasks effectively, you can ensure that you’re using your time in the most productive way possible.
23. Trying to be perfect
Trying to be perfect can be a major time waster. It’s important to strive for excellence, but perfectionism can lead to spending too much time on small details that won’t make a significant impact. Instead, focus on completing tasks to the best of your ability within a reasonable amount of time. Remember that done is better than perfect and that progress is more important than perfection.
24. Overcommitting
Overcommitting refers to taking on too many responsibilities or tasks, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed and stressed. This can waste your time because it may result in not being able to complete tasks on time or having to rush through them, which can lead to mistakes and lower quality work. It is important to prioritise tasks and only take on what is manageable and realistic within a given timeframe.
25. Attending meetings that are not necessary
Attending meetings that aren’t necessary can be a major time-waster. Sometimes, meetings are scheduled out of habit or routine, without a clear purpose or agenda. Attending such meetings can be frustrating and unproductive, as they can take up valuable time that could be spent on more important tasks. It’s important to evaluate whether a meeting is necessary before attending, and to decline invitations to meetings that don’t serve a clear purpose or agenda.
26. Working long hours without breaks
Working long hours without breaks can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. It’s important to take regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and maintain focus. Studies have shown that taking short breaks can actually increase productivity and creativity. So, instead of pushing through long hours without breaks, try taking short breaks every hour or so to give your brain a rest and come back refreshed and ready to tackle your tasks.
27. Not taking care of your health
Not taking care of your health can waste your time in the long run. Neglecting your health can lead to sickness and other health problems that can prevent you from being productive and achieving your goals. It’s important to prioritise self-care and make time for exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep to ensure that you’re able to perform at your best.
28. Spending too much time on small tasks
Spending too much time on small tasks can be a major time-waster. While it can be satisfying to check off a lot of small tasks from your to-do list, it’s important to prioritise your time and focus on the bigger, more important tasks first. One strategy is to group similar smaller tasks together and tackle them all at once, rather than interrupting your flow to complete them individually throughout the day.
29. Not taking advantage of downtime
Not taking advantage of downtime means not using your free time to do something productive or enjoyable. Instead of scrolling through social media or watching TV, you could use your downtime to read a book, learn a new skill, or spend time with loved ones. Taking advantage of your downtime can help you feel more fulfilled and less stressed in the long run.
30. Not learning new things
Not learning new things can be a huge waste of time. In order to grow and develop in your personal and professional life, it is important to continuously learn and improve yourself. Whether it’s through taking classes, attending workshops, reading books or articles, or simply seeking out new experiences, learning new things can help you stay motivated, engaged, and open to new opportunities. Failing to do so can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities for growth and development.
It is easy to waste time without even realising it. By being mindful of the things that waste your time, you can avoid them and make the most of your day. Procrastination, social media, and overthinking are just a few examples of things that can hinder productivity. By focusing on what’s important and prioritising your tasks, you can make the most of your time and achieve your goals.
What do you find wastes your time? Let me know in the comments 🤍