Time is a tricky thing. I never seem to have enough of it and yet we all have the same amount of hours in a day. Some of us are better than others at using it. If you find yourself frequently saying you don’t “have time“ or feel like you are constantly behind, check out these ideas below. But PRO TIP, don’t try them all at the same time or you’ll just frustrate yourself. Choose one (or two) that will challenge you and begin there.
If you read these and think, I know all of this, I just need help staying accountable, I’m here for you. Let’s chat about coaching and how it can help you reclaim control over your schedule and boost your productivity. Through personalized one-on-one sessions, we’ll identify your unique time management challenges and develop strategies to overcome them!
Prioritize tasks: Make a list. If you love lists I don’t need to convince you. If you swear you’ll remember everything, trust me, you won’t. Write them down. Then identify the most important tasks for your business. Tackle your “must dos” first.
Use time blocking: Allocate specific time blocks for different activities throughout your day. I color-code my calendar for this. I also time block “no interrupt” time so that I am guaranteed blocks of time to focus on work. I keep one day a week for outside meetings and errands like doctor appts. If you don’t rule your calendar, you will let everyone else’s “emergency” rule it for you.
Delegate tasks: Assign tasks to employees or outsource when possible to free up your own time. Before dismissing this, give it another thought. Are you doing things that you really could hand off to someone else?
Set deadlines: Establish deadlines for tasks to stay focused and motivated.
Limit distractions: Minimize interruptions by turning off notifications and setting specific times to check emails, messages, and social media. Some people don’t check email until after 10 a.m., some silence their phones while working, some install software that limits the time they can spend on apps. Identify your distractions and make plans to limit them.
Take regular breaks: Schedule short breaks to rest and recharge, which can boost productivity.
Batch similar tasks: Group similar tasks together to minimize context switching and improve focus.
Learn to say no: Avoid overcommitting yourself by politely declining tasks that don’t align with your priorities. Take it from a recovering people pleaser, I know this is hard. We can work on this together!
Review and adjust: Regularly assess your time management strategies and make adjustments as needed.
Remember, the journey towards your goals is a personal endeavor—no one can do it for you. It’s an inside job that demands your unwavering focus. As you navigate this path, discovering tactics that resonate and drive results, don’t hesitate to share your successes with me. Your wins fuel my dedication to supporting your growth and achievement!