Small business owners often find there are more tasks to accomplish than there are hours in a day. Since you are the most important person in your company, having solid time management skills is crucial to reduce stress, achieve a good work-life balance and avoid burnout.

Time management isn’t a one size fits all discipline and it may take time to figure out the right habits that work the best for you. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Pay attention to when you are most productive: Is it first thing in the morning or do you feel more energetic in the afternoon? Once you determine this, schedule your highest priority, challenging projects during that time. Then you can spend the rest of your day on easier, more manageable tasks.

Set aside specific time to organize your workspace: This can be once a day, once a week or even once a month. Getting rid of clutter, filing papers, clearing email files and more, gives you a clean slate that allows you to organize tasks. You will also be motivated to organize your time to work more efficiently.

Organize your work: Creating lists is a great way to structure your tasks, both large and small. You can prioritize projects daily, and then expand into weekly and monthly goals. Starting small can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and allows you to work on the most important jobs when you are most productive. Check off each task as it is accomplished so you can see the progress you are making.

Avoid unnecessary distractions: To make the best use of your time, make sure that you are mentally and physically present during working hours. This means avoiding distractions such as email and social media. Set aside specific times to check email and post to social media. Concentrate on one thing at a time and focus on your task list to make sure nothing gets missed.

Time management is important for many reasons:

• It can boost your bottom line: Working more efficiently can boost productivity and profitability in your business.
• You make better decisions: By prioritizing your time, you avoid missing out on opportunities and neglecting important tasks.
• You’re able to focus on growth: When you manage your time effectively, your business runs smoother, and you can focus on moving your business forward.

Most importantly, don’t forget to take breaks from your business. Working all the time can be physically and mentally unhealthy while negatively impacting your creativity and problem-solving skills.

I can help you take care of your business by implementing systems that will help you manage your time more efficiently. Contact me to learn more www.essentialassistant.net or at 720-234-4658.

All the best,

Jo