As a business owner, you may feel like there are never enough hours in the day. Not only do you need to run a business, take care of your own health and fitness and be there for your family, but you also need to be more involved in your community and network as well. How are you supposed to fit it all in? Time management is a skill that will help you achieve more with less burnout.
15 Proven Time Management Tips For Entrepreneurs
1) Understand where your time goes
The first step to effective time management is understanding where your time goes. Track how you spend your time for a week or two to get a better sense of where it all goes. Once you know where your time goes, you can start to make changes. You may notice that you spend more time scrolling through social media, watching TV, or even driving to and from appointments than is strictly necessary.
2) Set priorities
Once you know where your time is going, it’s time to start setting priorities. What is the most important thing you need to be working on right now? Make a list of your top priorities and make sure you are spending your time accordingly. Don’t forget that it isn’t all about work either. Your business is only a small part of your life. Make sure to prioritize your health and your family as well.
3) Delegate and outsource
One of the best ways to free up your time is to delegate tasks to others or outsource them altogether. If there are tasks that someone else can do just as well as you, delegate them! This will free up your time to focus on more important things.
4) Batch similar tasks together
Batching similar tasks together can be a great time-saver. For example, if you need to make a bunch of phone calls, do them all at once instead of spacing them out throughout the day. This way you can get into a rhythm and avoid wasting time starting and stopping different tasks.
5) Use technology
Technology can be a great time-saver if used correctly. There are a ton of helpful apps and tools out there that can automate or streamline tasks, saving you time in the long run. A small example is the template feature in Gmail. Most people have emails they send over and over again but very few people create a template that they can use instead of starting from scratch each time.
6) Set deadlines
One way to make sure you are staying on track is to set deadlines for yourself. Having a deadline will help you focus and get the task done more quickly.
7) Take breaks
Breaks are important! Taking a few minutes to step away from your work can help you refresh and refocus, so you can be more productive when you return. We have found a brisk walk around the block is a great way to gain more energy and prioritize both your physical and mental health.
8) Schedule downtime
In addition to taking regular breaks, it’s also important to schedule some downtime into your day. This can be time spent relaxing, reading, or doing something you enjoy outside of work. It’s important to have a balance in order to avoid burnout.
9) Avoid distractions
Distractions can be a big time-waster. When you are working on a task, try to eliminate as many distractions as possible so you can focus and get the job done more quickly. Consider leaving your phone in the other room when you are working, turning off notifications on your smartwatch, or only having the tab you are working on open on your computer. Another great way to avoid distraction is to check your email two times a day at set times.
10) Set limits
It’s important to know your limits in order to avoid taking on too much. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, take a step back and reassess what you can realistically accomplish. Try not to bite off more than you can chew.
11) Say “no”
Learning to say “no” can be difficult, but it’s important in order to avoid taking on more than you can handle. If you are already stretched thin, don’t be afraid to turn down additional requests or commitments.
12) Simplify your life
One way to save time is to simplify your life. If there are areas of your life that are unnecessarily complicated or time-consuming, see if there’s a way to simplify them. This could involve streamlining your daily routine, decluttering your home, or cutting back on commitments.
13) Be organized
Being organized can save you a lot of time in the long run. Having a system in place for things like your calendar, to-do list, and paperwork can help you stay on track and avoid wasting time searching for things or trying to remember what you need to do.
14) Avoid procrastination
Procrastination is the enemy of productivity. If you find yourself putting off tasks or avoiding them altogether, it’s time to make a change. Try to break the habit of procrastination by setting smaller goals, holding yourself accountable, and getting started on tasks right away.
15) Make time for self-care
It’s important to take care of yourself both mentally and physically. When you are feeling well, you will be more productive and better able to manage your time. Make sure to schedule some time for self-care activities like exercise, relaxation, and healthy eating.