Let’s be honest—we all have too much to do.
If you’re anything like me, there are times you feel overwhelmed just looking at your to-do list.
My brilliant friend Ford Saeks often says, “Fripp gets more done in an hour than most people do in a day.” I appreciate the compliment. I only wish it were always true!
Here’s what I’ve learned:
We don’t save time, we prioritize differently. That’s why the idea of saving just 15 minutes a day is more powerful than it sounds.
My Best Time-Saving Technique? Say “No” (and Mean It)
The biggest productivity booster in my life was learning how to say “No” and then offering a better option that works for both parties.
Years ago, my business was in the same building as the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. Naturally, I was a member. One day, a Chamber executive asked,
“Patricia, would you run a monthly meeting for our volunteers?”
At the time, I was travelling 50% of the year for speaking engagements. I replied: “My schedule doesn’t allow that. However, how would you like me to deliver a presentation to rev up the volunteers?”
This approach utilised my talents (which the other members didn’t have) and required only one commitment instead of twelve.
He probably wasn’t comfortable asking me to speak for free! I offered value on my terms and protected my time.
When They Want to “Pick Your Brain…”
As a visible member and past president of the National Speakers Association, I often get calls that start with, “Can I buy you lunch and pick your brain?”
My answer is usually, “No. But if we were at lunch, what’s the most important question you’d ask?”
If the question is thoughtful and compelling, the conversation tends to continue. Some of my closest colleagues started that way.
Then again, I’ve also heard lazy questions like: “How did you get started?”
My reply was, “You have one question, and you chose that? I began my career before the advent of social media and computers. Surely, what you meant to ask was, ‘Based on your decades of experience, what’s the smartest way for someone like me to begin?’”
And yes, my answer always includes: “Join the National Speakers Association. Then, when you’ve done that and know what help you need, give me another call.”
Imagine This Gift: Two Extra Weeks a Year
What if you had two extra weeks every year to do anything you wanted?
Would you:
- Focus on a high-priority project?
- Launch a new project?
- Take that restorative personal time to exercise or think?
This isn’t a fantasy. If you eliminate just 15 wasted minutes a day, you’ll reclaim 91 hours a year—more than two full work weeks.
Fripp’s Formula: 6 Ways to Reclaim Your Time
- Separate Efficiency from Effectiveness.
Don’t confuse activity with accomplishment. Peter Drucker said it best: “Efficiency is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing the right things.”
There’s no point doing something well if it doesn’t matter. Make the hard calls. Do what counts.
- Underbook.
Stop cramming your calendar. Give yourself room to think, breathe, and respond. Underbooking creates space for your best work.
- Block-Book for Big Projects.
Some priorities need uninterrupted time. Don’t try to wedge them between meetings. Set aside focused blocks.
- Confirm Everything.
Appointments. Flights. Calls. For years, my mantra has been “Confirm, don’t assume.” Confirming details takes minutes and can save hours of aggravation.
- Do It Now.
Don’t wait until a task is no longer necessary. If it’s not critical, don’t make it perfect—just get it done.
- Let Go of Perfection (Where It Doesn’t Matter).
Perfect is a myth. Done is often better. Spend your energy where it will make the most significant difference.
You’ve just gained back 15 minutes.
Could you do it again tomorrow? Repeat every day. Before long, you’ll have gifted yourself two extra weeks every year.
How will you spend that time?
If you’re serious about using your time to deliver effectively on stage and off, explore how FrippVT can help you deliver powerful, persuasive presentations. FrippVT.com
“Your presentation skills program was just what we needed. The breakout sessions were especially impactful—engaging, insightful, and energizing. Our post-event survey results were some of the best we’ve seen. Thank you for your incredible support. We’re already looking forward to our next collaboration!”
Jake Power, Senior Director, Marketing Partnerships, CXO Program & Corporate Events / Extreme Networks
