Time is one of our most valuable resources, yet we constantly feel like we’re racing against the clock. The idea of “buying back time” might seem abstract, but what if you could strategically free up hours from your day by investing a little money and a lot of thought into your daily routines? In this post, I break down three powerful strategies that have transformed my productivity—and they can do the same for you.
1. Leverage Technology to Eliminate Time Squanders
We all have those seemingly small tasks that, when added together, consume an awful lot of time. Whether it’s manually paying bills, searching through endless email chains for an attachment, or spending minutes organizing files on your computer, these actions add up. The beauty of today’s world is that technology can automate many of these tasks.
Consider the examples:
- Automated Finances: Set up autopay and automated transfers so that your money moves where it needs to go without you having to lift a finger.
- Smart Tools: Use apps like Keyboard Maestro, Hazel, or even built-in shortcuts on your phone to automate daily digital chores.
- Team Management Apps: Tools like TeamSnap simplify scheduling and communication, saving you endless back‐and‐forths.
Investing in the right technology may require a small upfront cost, but over time, it pays for itself by slashing the hours spent on routine work. Even a few minutes saved on each task can compound into a significant boost in your productivity—and your energy.
2. Delegate and Outsource Personal Tasks
One of the greatest misconceptions about delegation is that if you can do something, you shouldn’t outsource it. But consider this: if you spend your precious time on daily errands or chores that someone else could handle, you lose out on the opportunity to focus on higher-impact activities.
Here’s how you can start delegating more effectively:
- Identify Time Drains: List out your routine tasks—like grocery shopping, dry cleaning, or even assembling furniture (yes, even that dreaded IKEA project). Then, determine if these tasks are worth doing yourself or if they can be outsourced.
- Budget to Delegate: Even a modest budget, say $100–$200 a month, can open the door to services like Instacart or TaskRabbit. This isn’t about being frivolous with spending; it’s about reclaiming your time for what truly matters.
- Start Small: Begin by outsourcing one or two tasks to get a feel for how delegation can free up your mental space. As you grow comfortable, you can expand the range of tasks you delegate.
Whether it’s having your groceries delivered, ordering meal kits, or hiring someone to manage less enjoyable household tasks, delegating can add back hours to your week—hours that you can reinvest in your work, family, or personal growth.
3. Invest in an Executive Assistant
If you’re serious about duplicating your own productivity, consider hiring an executive assistant (EA). Initially, you might be skeptical—maybe you think you don’t need someone for tasks you already seem to manage well. But what you gain is not just help with mundane tasks but a partner who understands your preferences and reserves your time for the really strategic decisions.
Some key benefits of an EA include:
- Email and Schedule Management: An EA can filter your emails and manage your calendar, ensuring you only spend time on what’s truly important.
- Travel and Appointment Coordination: From booking travel to setting up appointments, an EA handles the details so you can focus on high-leverage activities.
- Incremental Involvement: You don’t need a full-time EA. Even a part-time assistant working a few hours a week can make a significant impact.
The real magic lies in the long-term relationship. As your EA gets to know you, they become more effective, anticipating your needs and making decisions on your behalf. This kind of leveraged support is a game changer, especially for busy professionals and entrepreneurs.
Conclusion: Make Your Time an Investment
The concept of buying back time is all about being intentional with your resources. By leveraging technology, delegating routine tasks, and even hiring an executive assistant, you can transform those small time sinks into meaningful, productive hours. The key is to start small—pick one area where you feel the pinch, and invest in a solution that gives you even an extra hour each week. Over time, these extra moments will add up, providing more creativity, clarity, and the space to focus on what truly matters.
