Use the Auto-Saver Principle to Build Better Habits
When budgeting, we often recommend saving or paying bills automatically . You can use the same strategy with your time to build better habits and not waste as much time.
As the 99u productivity blog points out, the best habits are formed when you don’t have to think about them. You certainly can’t download an app that will keep you busy with more productive activities, but you can do the next best thing: include them in your schedule. Or, at the very least, set up external reminders that prompt you to do something as soon as you receive a message.
For example, you can subscribe to an industry publication and read it every time it appears to stay on top of trends. You can join a professional group for people in your field and meet once a month to chat or chat with other creative people. Or, you can commit to cleaning your desk every day before leaving the office to start the next day with a clean slate. All of these actions turn goals from something that you can frustrate about what you don’t do, but don’t waste time on, into a natural part of your schedule.
If you have a calendar full of appointments, include cleaning the kitchen or texting your significant other. Set up your phone to remind you to take out the trash every week. Or sign up for an event you know will benefit you. Then, at the very least, worrying about sunk costs can help you with that. The more you can automate your habits, the more likely you will stick to them.