Time Management – A Balancing Act

Filed under: Business Building — Tags: , , — TJ

May 7, 2008

Donna-Marie Coggins

Anyone in small business knows that effective time management is crucial in successfully balancing work and personal time. But sometimes it seems the hours go by… your day is nearly over and you have not yet done half of what you had planned for the day. Then we see some people who seem to achieve so much and still have time for themselves. What’s the difference? After all, no matter who we are or what we do, we all have exactly the same amount of time in each day… we all have the same 24 hours as every other person.

To find extra time in your day, first keep a journal of how you spend your time for two to three days. Include everything, even time on the telephone, watching television and reading. Next use that journal to identify your greatest time-wasters, and then decide where you can eliminate or limit them. I know this may seem like it’s taking up even more of your valuable time, but just try it — you may be surprised by the results.

Some handy time management ideas include:

  • Plan to have ‘in days’ and ‘out days’. On your ‘in days’, stay in your workplace all day. Have a list of prioritised tasks and do them — one after another. You will achieve so much that you’ll feel better about spending quality time with your family or doing something for yourself in the evenings. Similarly, on your ‘out days’ list all errands to be done and just do them, even if it means you’re out and running around all day.
  • Plan your meals ahead and go grocery shopping only once each week. Prepare a few meals to freeze for quick meals later.
  • If you have school children, make sandwiches in advance and freeze them, too. Each morning just grab a sandwich out of the freezer and pop it into the lunch box. Being frozen will help the sandwich remain fresh longer and it will defrost by lunchtime.
  • School bags and clothes can be prepared the night before. If you find yourself pushed for time of a morning, put all bowls, breakfast cereals, cups and vitamins on the table or bench too.
  • Use your diary appropriately, tending to matters when they need it (the longer you leave it, the harder it will become).
  • Keep your home and workspace tidy. You can easily waste hours looking for misplaced items.
  • Consider outsourcing chores such as lawn mowing, cleaning or bookkeeping. How much do you earn per hour? If you can earn $40 per hour or perhaps $100 per hour, how much is three hours of ironing really costing you?
  • For friends who drop in unannounced — ask them to make you a cuppa and then do some filing while the two of you chat. I guarantee if they don’t get the hint and leave, at least you’ll be catching up on some mundane chores.

    • The trick to finding extra time each day is to work smart, not hard. Be organized and have everything well planned, and you will find that you have more time to spare.

    Donna-Marie Coggins is an author and business owner, providing writing, editing and business planning and start-up support. For tips and resources on running a small business and your free guide to free and low-cost publicity, go to http://www.YourSmallBizExpert.com

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donna-Marie_Coggins

    For more information and support for creating more time for yourself and what’s important to you, visit http://www.GalileoLS.com/consult.html for a free coaching consultation.

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