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Simple Time Management: Get More Done With the WADE Formula

Use the WADE Formula by Julie Morgenstern to get more done.

*This post was updated September 10, 2015.

Raise your hand if you have lots to do and suffer from “not-enough-time-in-the-day” syndrome. Even if you just have one finger in the air, you should take a peek at the WADE formula. 

This formula or strategy has four simple and logical steps which means it will likely be easy for you to implement. I can’t take credit for this strategy, though. It comes courtesy of Julie Morgenstern, author of Time Management from the Inside Out (affiliate link). As you might have guessed, WADE stands for particular actions you need to take to gain control of your time so that you can accomplish more.
Here is the WADE formula in a nutshell:
Write it Down – This step is very straight forward. Simply put – get it all out of your head! Put all your to do’s on paper or in your smart phone.
Add it up – How long will it take you to finish all the tasks on your list?
Decide – This is often the step that can trip you up. You have to figure out which things you will actually work on. Julie says that if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can use one of the four D’s:  (1) Delete, (2) Delay, (3) Delegate, or (4) Diminish your to do’s into smaller, more manageable tasks.
Execute Your Plan – Get to work! Cut out all distractions and kick procrastination to the curb so you can get stuff done.
If you have Julie’s book and want more details, flip to page 62.  Are you already using the WADE formula or another time management technique? Leave a comment with how it’s working for you.
 
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Hey there, I’m Deb. I’m a Digital Productivity Coach and Consultant, Certified Professional Organizer®, speaker, and lover of all things tech. I’m also addicted to apps and love helping small business owners leverage technology so they can be more productive.

This Post Has 8 Comments

  1. Good stuff. I try to employ the David Allen time management philosophy in “Getting Things Done,” but I particularly like the 4-Ds. I’ll have to check this book out. Thanks!

    1. @twitter-378853425:disqus What’s great about WADE and the 4 D’s is that they are simple. Nothing beats simple because that means ease of use (most times). Let me know what you think about Julie’s book. It’s an oldie but goodie and she really knows what she’s talking about.

    1. @MrFresh:twitter Hey! Good to hear from you and glad you liked it. Have any tips of your own you’d like to share? You know I’d welcome a guest post from you any time. =)

    1. @facebook-100000620600320:disqus Love that! It’s a nice, catchy way to remind yourself of your actions. Thanks for stopping by, Isi. =)

  2. Hey Deb- What a great presentation of the WADE formula—the steps AND the BENEFITS! Thanks for sharing the strategy!
    Warmly,

    Julie Morgenstern 

    1. @1b6ce4438a1e25f45f6838a04cba91d3:disqus Love the simplicity of WADE, Julie. Thank YOU! =)

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