Debbie Mayo-Smith: The 2016 resolution that will save you time

Do you have a go to game on your phone? For when you're slightly bored at night. Photo / Stephen Parker

"What is your New Year's resolution going to be" my daughter asked. We all go through this. New Year. New 'you'. "Don't know yet" was my reply.

I had already started hard on a diet on the 26th of December (still going strong, thank you!!). I exercise every day. I had already made plans for the direction of my business.

I decided on making one tiny little deletion. A simple tap and drag that I knew would be hard to give up cold turkey, but would be exceedingly beneficial personally. Yes, by the way. It's still gone.

This little deletion has freed up about 20 minutes a day. It has helped me to become more up to date with news. With industry articles. With sleep!

Have you thought through what it could be?

I deleted spider solitaire off my phone. It was the only game I had. My excuse was I needed it for relaxation.

Do you have a go to game on your phone? For when you're slightly bored at night. Or on planes, trains, buses. When you are in the bathroom, or should be doing something else.

Though I miss it sorely, now when I have that down time, or want to relax, I use it productively. I go deeper into the newspaper apps than latest news. I read industry articles on the phone. I've put the phone down and picked up work that needs to be done.

No more stolen moments wasted on an activity that isn't adding value to my life. Because life is just too short to waste any of it.

• Debbie Mayo-Smith www.debbiespeaks.com, One of New Zealand's most in-demand speakers, trainers and bestselling authors. Debbie works with companies that want more effective staff. For more tips and business ideas sign up for her free monthly newsletter www.successis.co.nz/newsletternzh.html