Time. Whether you view it as your best ally or your worst adversary depends on your approach to it. Time management (or the lack of it) is one of the key factors that determines whether a business stays on course to achieving its goals or lags behind. If you’re an expert in managing your time, this blog will prove to be a useful reminder of the practices that you probably are already aware of. However, if business time management is an area of concern to you, then this blog will help you get started in the direction of not just managing but fully optimizing your time.
1. Find a System That Helps You Manage Tasks Better
Having the intent to manage your time optimally is a good start. Now back this intent with the right approach and you’ll have a tangible framework to turn intent into workable, measurable actions. Some time management techniques that will help you develop efficient time management skills are: #1 The Eisenhower System – a framework that divides tasks into 4 quadrants based on urgency and importance #2 Time Tracking System – helps track the amount of time that has gone into any task or project #3 Time Blocking System – where you schedule tasks for specific dates and times and then focus only on these tasks #4 The Pomodoro Technique – a practice that encourages you to do 25 minutes of extremely focused work followed by a 5 minute break before you repeat the cycle.
2. Begin Your Day With What’s Most Important
The start of your day is when your mental drive and alertness is at its natural peak. Leverage this peak state of mind to handle your day’s biggest challenges. Anything from creating a complex strategy to sending out a critical piece of communication to setting the pricing in a challenging category - see how your day’s most important tasks get sorted when you approach them with 100% determination, 100% focus and of course, 100% energy.
3. Use The 80-20 Rule
As per this rule, 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. So what are the really big tasks, decisions or matters that you really need to be focusing on? Find out where your 20% lies in terms of markets, goals, strategies, people or even practices that bring in 80% of your performance, revenues and growth. Putting this 20% foremost on your agenda is a great way to optimally manage time.
4. Check Emails at a Scheduled Time
You get into the thick of a problem and are about to hit upon a solution when you get an email alert. Though emails are a primary way of keeping in touch with your internal and external world, when done on a constant basis, this activity could slow you down and reduce your overall daily productivity. One possible solution is to schedule a time for checking your emails and responding to them. Proper time allocation in business will help you achieve more in less time.
5. Keep Your Physical Space Organized
It’s not too far-fetched to say, the condition of your workspace determines the state of your mind space. The first step therefore to maintaining an uncluttered mind is ensuring an uncluttered work environment. Throw out what’s unwanted or old, and organize things that are important or relevant into their proper places. Not only will this save you time in terms of searching for things that you need, it will also give your mind that feel-good cushion right at the start of your work day.
6. Remove Yourself From Situations Sooner
Can your meeting end 5 minutes earlier? Could you achieve your purpose through a shorter phone or video call? Can you keep a discussion from straying into non-productive areas? With smarter and better focused utilization of your time through daily activities, you will be able to create additional time in a world that’s perennially wishing for extra time.
Learn more 5 Easy Ways to Optimize Your Zoom Presence by Shelly Golden
7. Schedule Breaks From Tasks
Contrary to what you may believe, working non-stop hours every day will fatigue you or possibly even lead you to a burnout. Which needless to say, will throw your plans or schedules into disarray. In order for your mind and body to continue performing at their peak, it’s necessary to detach yourself from your hyper busy schedule, whenever you feel you’re reaching a breaking point.
8. Focus On Calming Your Mind
What happens when your mind is cluttered or disturbed? You will find it difficult to see goals or solutions with clarity. You will find it difficult to prioritize your tasks. You will find it difficult to start and complete projects. All of this and more, will cost you precious time and will delay your progress on the path to your goals. Indulge in calming activities like meditation to clear your mind of its stresses and refresh it for every new day that lies ahead of you.
9. The Best Tip of All: Get an Expert Coach Who Can Help You Manage Time
You could follow the tips shared in this blog to bring about a positive change in the way you manage your time. Or, you could take a leap forward and consider engaging the services of a coach who specializes in business time management. Visit polarisone.com to book an appointment that will change the way you handle your time. You could also download your free copy of ‘What Every Great Salesperson Knows - A No-nonsense Guide For Sales Success’ by Robert Arzt to gain insights into how you can accomplish a whole lot more in the same finite time than you might imagine.
