Time is money. We are all under pressure to do more; to maximise every waking minute; we have business and work commitments, home life, friends, family, exercise, and holidays.
So much to do, so little time. Are you feeling the pressure? Tick tock. Tick tock. Well don’t.
This blog will help you get more out of your day through better time management.
Time management is all about committing to change and action. You need to:
· Plan
· Delegate
· Prioritise
· Control
Here are my simple top tips to manage your time better, and to give yourself more time to make money and enjoy life!
1. Make a plan
It can be a daily or weekly plan. Get into a routine of doing your daily plan the night before. If it’s a weekly plan and you’re self-employed, do it on a Sunday night; or first thing on a Monday morning if you’re employed.
Today’s technology allows you to access your documents and any plans when you’re out of the office, so make use of it.
2. Write down your ‘to-do’ list
Schedule your work and give each task an estimated start and end time.
3. Challenge the status quo
It’s all too easy for us to do things the way they have always been done.
Be creative. Think about why you’re doing what you’re doing. Ask yourself if there’s a better way. Even ask yourself whether it needs to be done.
4. Plan for the unexpected
Ensure you leave enough time for tasks which crop up. Decide whether it’s urgent, or important, whether it can be delegated, and prioritise accordingly.
5. Make your tasks bite-sized
You’ve heard the saying ‘never try to eat an elephant all in one go’. It’s the same with your plan. Look at each task. Can you break them down into smaller tasks?
6. Be prepared
So if you’re meeting a client first thing the next morning, work out what you’re going to wear, where you’re meeting, the route you’ll take, and prepare any materials the night before. If it’s someone you don’t know, check out their website and LinkedIn.
7. Stick to your plan!
Do yourself and your business a favour and stick to your plan. Avoid distractions, and reduce interruptions.
I also advise my clients to use a time management grid. There are plenty you can choose from, but I would recommend searching online for ‘Stephen Covey Time Management Grid’.
Many of the world’s leading entrepreneurs start work at 5 or even 4 in the morning. They do this so they have enough time to cover everything. You don’t have to.
There are 24 hours in a day, so use them wisely. With forward planning, delegation, prioritisation and control you will be able to achieve so much more in your life.
Get in touch to find out how we can help you grow and achieve success for your business either by email enquiries@nozeyparkers.co.uk or call 0808 123 1399.
Your first 2 hour consultation is free.
Tina Marie Parker, business advisor, trouble-shooter and turnaround expert, has been helping businesses for nearly 30 years. From start-ups to succession planning. From companies going through rapid growth to companies desperate to see some growth. She helps them thrive and survive. Great business advice and hands-on support for your organisation, getting the desired results, fast