How to Hack Your Self Development When You Have No Extra Time

We all love a bit of self development, but it can be SO HARD to find the time. Come home from work, and what do you have to do?

• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Laundry
• Care for the kids
• Walk the dog
• All of the above

Sound familiar?

We know, because we’ve been there. How can you find the time for learning, and filling your brain with knowledge about finances, personal branding, starting a business – or just some good old Oprah-style motivation?

The answer? You have to be sneaky, and fit it in around your other to-dos.

1. Make a list of what you want to learn

1. To make this process as efficient as possible, set aside an hour to gather your resources.
2. Think about what exactly it is that you want to learn.
3. Then, make a list on your phone of podcasts and articles about these topics.
4. Keep everything in one place, with hyperlinks to the articles, podcasts and YouTube videos you want to go back to.

If you’re living a crazy busy life (and let’s be real, who isn’t?), it pays to be as organised with your time as possible.

2. Plan strategic BFF dates

Drinking cocktails in a bar with your BFF is great. But even greater?! Taking your BFF (or date…) to a workshop or talk, where you can catch up and also learn something new. Pick a self development topic you’re both interested in and go to an after-work event together. 

Maybe you’re both as bad as each other at managing your finances, or you both need to improve your public speaking skills for work. Find an event that speaks to both of you, and that you’ll both be excited to attend. 

You’ll get bonding time, make new memories together, and will be learning something in the process. Bonus – there are often free drinks to help facilitate ‘networking’…

3. Multitask to the max

Remember that list we told you to make earlier? The next time you’re in a doctor’s waiting room, on a long train journey, or in the middle of some housework, open up your list and see what you’re in the mood for. 

In the car or at the gym, a podcast would work best, while a TED talk is perfect for when you’re cooking. If your list contains articles and podcasts of different lengths and formats, you’ll be able to sneak in some self development at literally any point of the day. 

4. Take it online

Picture this: it’s Sunday evening, and you’re lying in bed in your PJs, surrounded by candles and with a facemask on. You’re trying to decide what to Netflix – but instead of flicking to the comedies, consider watching a webinar, a TED talk, or the first part of an online course.

You can be relaxing your body while boosting your brain and getting motivated for the week ahead – it’s a win win.