Wasting time can be a big problem for business owners. Most of us have more on our to-do lists than we have time for, so it’s important to manage your time wisely.
Image via ThorntonCenter.com
Here are some tips to get you on the right track for the new year:
Write it out – A written to-do list can help you in many ways. We can all forget tasks from time to time, so getting it out of your head and onto paper can help you stay clear and focused on what needs to be done.
Is it making you money? When you look at all of the tasks on your to-do list, ask yourself if it’s making you money. Do the stuff that brings in the money first. The other things on your list can wait.
Set limits – There are many tasks in your business that help you bring in money – but can also be time wasters if you don’t watch it. Social networking is a prime example! Yes, you want to spend time on Facebook and Twitter, but set limits! It’s too easy to pop on to those sites and lose an hour when you only meant to spend a few minutes. Keep a little egg timer near by and set it for 15 minutes to keep you focused on your tasks. When the timer goes off, get off of Facebook and go on to the next item on your to-do list.
Just say “No” – When you work from home, you’re surrounded by distractions. You may think, “I’ll just watch a few minutes of TV and then I’ll work,” or “I should go to the store now when it won’t be busy and I’ll be able to work later,” or “I need to make a couple phone calls, and then I’ll get to work.” The “getting back to work” part of that thought is great, but it doesn’t always happen. One thing will lead to another and we often get sidetracked. Instead, just say no to the distractions. Get your work done – and then watch TV, go to the store, or make those calls.
Time is a precious commodity. It’s something we can’t buy more of. Be cautious of what you’re spending your time on and ask yourself if it’s really worth it!
By Crissy Herron, www.IndieBizChicks.com
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