3 Strategies for Managing Your Time

Time management is a huge issue for entrepreneurs. There’s always “one more thing” that must be looked at before you can tackle the real work. If you answer your emails now, you promise yourself you’ll get to work on the “big” project…but somehow, the small things take over and the day is gone – and you end up feeling you haven’t accomplished anything significant. Sound familiar?

This happened to me all too often in the past. I felt if I could clear the decks of the small stuff, I could get to the important things – the “must get done today” list – without distraction. But I’d soon realize it was late in the afte
oon and I wasn’t feeling as creative as I should be to tackle a new project…and I was left feeling like I didn’t really get my work done…so guilt would set in.

Not getting the important tasks done – and feelings of guilt – are no way to grow a business. You need to implement tactics that ensures your “to do” list becomes your “ta done” list. Here are 3 things you can put into action immediately so you can manage your time effectively, get your work done, and feel great about what you’ve accomplished at the end of the day.

#1 Make a second list.
Yes, you’ve written everything in your calendar/day planner so you know what has to be done. Take that long list and write out (on a separate piece of paper) the top 2 or 3 items you must achieve before the end of the day – and work them. Or maybe it’s only 1 major thing you need to complete – do it first.

I like to think of it this way…if I get interrupted to go meet someone who could impact my business in a big way, well, I don’t have to think twice because the big item is off my plate. I can relax and look after the small stuff later. (And note…if you find you can’t even get through the must do’s for the day, it’s time to hire help!)

#2 Change your email settings.
You’ve heard it before…don’t leave your email running all day – instead schedule time to check messages – and that goes for social media as well. If this is impossible to do (and that’s a mindset issue), turn off the chime sound letting you know a new message has arrived (if you’ve seen the movie UP, this is the “squirrel”). You’re in charge here…you can answer emails on your time schedule – not someone else’s.

#3 Schedule one hour per day for your business.
Set time either before your “official” work day begins, over lunch, a 3:00 break or whatever time works for you – to work ON your business. Instead of struggling to put your ezine together, finalize a new product, network, or simply grow your business, give yourself a gift of one hour each day to work on this – faithfully. You will be amazed at how your business will grow by making this one simple change to your day.

These three strategies will not only help you to manage your time more efficiently, but you’ll become less stressed…and end up with more money at the end of the day.