Time is a remarkable resource. No matter where anyone is in the world, what career, intellect, or social status, we all get 24 hours in the day. If every morning we reset the clock and start over with our allocated 24 hours, how is it that some can be incredibly productive, while others seem always to be lacking time to get things done? What we do to leverage time is one of the key elements to productivity, and it is not about burning the midnight oil. Productivity is about earning freedom and control over our time, so we maintain our commitments to what is important and do what gives us purpose in life.
Productivity can get a bad wrap since many think it means grinding away. But my guidance is to think of productivity as leverage. When we put thought into the orthodontist’s time, we can be extremely productive on the days we choose to work and have the time for the endeavors that fulfill us personally and with our friends and family. We are making the right impact at the right time with purposeful activities.
168 Hours
We often forget how much time we have in a full week. We stress about “running out of time” when we structure our work in a 24-hour cycle. Instead, what we can do in a day is dwarfed by what we can build into a week. With 168 hours in one week, 56 to proper sleep, 40 for a full week of patients and work-related tasks, leaving 72 hours each week to do amazing life-changing things. That is an opportunity for fitness to your mind, body, and spirit. When you structure your week with purpose, you can build time for relaxation, reading, writing, exercise, family fun, soaking in nature, and following your favorite pastime. You name it; it’s your week to design. The key to this is to structure your week with appropriate time blocks and set priorities to balance your efforts and productivity in what matters at that moment.
Time Management
Managing time can be a difficult situation. Often, being efficient with your time is important, but simply doing things faster does not protect the orthodontist’s time. The key change of mindset here is to become a minimalist when it comes to tasks. Reduce them, delegate them, automate them, and declutter your schedule. Running frantically from job to job increases the chance of burnout—work smarter instead of harder by guiding your time by principles of only taking on assignments that matter.
Traction vs. Distraction
Set out to live daily with minimal distractions. If you are at work, be extremely productive with patient care and leading your team. With your family? Avoid work distractions when you are home, so maximize your opportunity to spend time with those you love. Also, take time for personal traction. It’s tough to give your all when you are running on empty. Traction comes from actions that move us toward what we want. Distractions move us away from what we want. Focus on discipline, so you spend your time on your priorities.
