I was walking from work to the Metro the other day and noticed that even though I was walking the same speed (or slower) as everyone else, I was passing all of them. I realized it is because I picked the shortest route to the Metro. I walked in as straight of a line as possible to each turn.
I try to be efficient in what I do. Why do I sit a certain way? Am I performing a task as efficiently as possible? I try to optimize every area of my life…including my writing, thus the following article is a list.

• Always be thinking

  I have noticed that there are many people who just zone out during certain parts of their day. Don’t do this. You have to be thinking about what you are doing in order to optimize it. Always be thinking no matter how trivial the thought is. When I am walking or driving I tend to think about the shortest distance to my destination or about what I am going to do when I get there. A lot of times I am forward thinking usually about hobbies or ways to make money.

• Don’t go through the motions.

  When performing routine or repetitive tasks don’t just do it mindlessly. Think about each step and form a process. You may find out that you can cut out an entire step or do two tasks at once.

• The goal is more time.

  How many of you rotate your own tires? It is a simple task that just requires a jack and a wrench, but I bet you probably still take it to an auto shop and pay a few dollars. Why pay money when you already know how to do it yourself? Because doing it yourself takes time. When you pay for a simple service like rotating your tires, it is because the time you save is worth more than the money it costs. Time has replaced money as the most important. When optimizing your life, you want to think of ways to save time. Occasionally you might find a money-saver but most of your optimizing will save you time. More time allows for more thinking of ways to make money though.

• Consult an expert

  I am not good at keeping a schedule. My wife is very good at keeping a schedule. She keeps lists of things to do that day and decides when she is going to do them throughout the day. The way that I am getting better at keeping a schedule is by watching what she does and trying it myself. If you want to get better at something then find someone who is good at it, ask advice and watch what they do.

Here are some practical ways to optimize certain tasks:

1. Tie your shoelaces
2. Adjust your car mirrors
3. Overcome procrastination
4. Plan a big date
5. Clean out your closet
6. Avoid spashback at the urinal
7. Get hot water fast
8. Get the best shave
9. Take a good nap

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