One thing we all have that is equal, is the amount of time we have in each day. The big difference is in how we use that time. I am sure you have heard the saying, "If you want something done, ask a busy person." A question that is asked of highly successful entrepreneurs is "How do you get so much done?"
I have to admit that some days it is easy to get to the end of the day and wonder where all that time went. This would have to be the easiest way to stay right where you are now with your business goals. So many don't achieve what they set out to do because they spend so much time on all the little admin stuff, without any real focus on what the important steps are that will actually drive them towards their business goals.
Very often, when you have "all the time in the world" to get something done, you take "all the time in the world" to get it done. In contrast, when you are under pressure with time constraints, the same activity can take you just a fraction of time to achieve the same result. The key here is FOCUS.
To start your time management, write down a list of what needs to be done. As anything pops into your mind, put it down onto your list. This will help to unclutter your head space. As you get things done, you will get a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction when you are able to cross things off your list.
What has priority? Glance over your list and determine which of the items are going to move you forward in your business planning, which things are going to keep you where you are at and what might actually not need doing at all. Re-order your list according to their priority.
Have a team that you can rely on to help you achieve your 'to do' list. Is there anything that can be done by someone else? It is easy to think that you have to do everything yourself. You need to learn to lean on others in order to move forward quickly. Right now, your team may be your family, it may be your co-workers, your partner or spouse. But whoever it is, get them on board to help you achieve your outcomes quickly. Sometimes if you simply ask, others are more than happy to help you out. A great team is so important to time management and to business success.
Put a time limit for each of the items on your list to be achieved. Deadlines are great time management tools. When you know you have a deadline to meet, you will work faster and achieve more. I use a little clock and set my timer for however long I think the task will take, and go flat out, focused, till the task is completed.
Take the phone off the hook and eliminating all other distractions is a major key in getting more done in less time. Establish what you boundaries are in relation to your availability. Make sure that your team know you are unavailable except for pre-arranged appointments. Only check your email two or three times throughout the day, rather than every five minutes. Email is a biggie, and one of the major distractions that will prevent you from achieving all you can in a day.
These time management tips will help you to be focused on the tasks that are most important right now, for you to take action and get the results you want in your business.
