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Getting more done in a day seems to be a common theme among business owners. We have the same 8 or 10 work hours as everyone else and yet so many are challenged with checking off all those things on our to do lists. I admit that managing my time is a challenge and I want to share some steps I have taken to get more control of my time and actually I do get more done!
1. Create a priority list each day starting with my high value activities, which are the ones that bring in the money and schedule the time for each activity on my google calendar. Obviously use any calendar that works for your scheduling.
2. Assign each activity a time period in which you believe you can complete the task. Then as you build the time into your calendar you can see what you can get done in a day.
3. Use a timer if necessary to keep yourself focused and on task. There are many tools to aid in your scheduling, I use an online timer called E.gg Timer which I set on my computer and it counts down the time I set for a task and beeps at me when my time is up. I also use the clock/timer on my iphone. If a task isn’t complete in the time I allotted, sometimes I will add some time or I re-schedule it again for later in the day if I have time or the next day.
4. Do NOT be distracted by emails. In fact I add “check” emails to my schedule and I allot a certain period of time to check email and to respond accordingly.
5. Do not waiver from the days tasks, this will keep you accountable to the schedule you have set in when you maintain some rhythm by the end of the week you can see how much you have actually accomplished!
6. Schedule “in” days and “out” days during the week. Try to schedule all of your days out of the office in one day booking appointments back to back if necessary. This is more efficient than chopping up your days with both being in and out, consider alone how much the drive time takes. This has worked well for me and I train people to fit into my time schedule.
