There is a tendency when we build our task list for the day to view ourselves as completely efficient and knowledgable machines. We seem to think that we both know exactly how long each thing will take us, exactly how much free time we’ll have, and we predict that there won’t be any hiccups along the way.
But how often are we right about this? Not often.
That’s why it’s important to build in margin as we plan our day. Allow yourself some time for both inefficiencies, interruptions, and unpredictable happenings. In most cases, it will actually help you be more productive—if not in the short run, most definitely in the long run.
The more often you believe you’ll get 7 things done, but only get to 4, the less often you’ll push yourself to do all the tasks you set out to. It’s not unlike having a boss who consistently gives you more to do than you know you can handle. At some point, when they don’t listen to you and scale back, you stop wanting to perform for them.
In this case, you’re your own boss! So pay attention to how efficient you are, and how good you are at predicting your available time. Allow yourself margin or buffer time to get things done. Start with more buffer time, rather than less.
As you continue to get great scores for getting items done, slowly put more on your plate. Efficiency doesn’t simply happen in a day—or even a few. You get efficient incrementally, over time.
