Unless you manage your time properly, the answer might be: You can't. There just isn't enough time in the day to get everything done. There just isn't enough time in the day.
That's why time management skills are crucial for the home business owner. Here is a handy list of ten time management tips to help you find some time for yourself:
- Plan ahead. Know specifically what you intend to accomplish each morning and set out to do just that. A calendar or other scheduling tool can assist you with this task.
- Organize your office. You should be able to find all your tools and information quickly. Make a place for everything and put everything in its place.
- Don't rush your work. Take the time to check and correct mistakes and errors before you turn a project in so that you won't have any rework to do.
- Let the machine answer the phone. By screening phone calls you can avoid being caught up in any nonessential time-consuming conversations. Screening calls also cuts down on the number of times that you are interrupted.
- Do similar or related tasks together. If you have several tasks that are similar in nature or use the same tools, or the same data, schedule them close to each other so that you won't have to reopen data files or take tools back out.
- Limit the number of times that you check your e-mail. Usually it is sufficient to check your e-mail no more that twice a day.
- Outsource time-consuming errands. For example, you can take your clothes to the cleaner and just maybe you should hire a neighborhood teen to string your Christmas lights or mow your yard.
- Do more when you are out. If an errand requires you to drive, see if there are other errands that you can run while you are out. You'll find yourself making fewer trips and driving less will save you time (and gas).
- Stay healthy. Get enough rest and eat properly. See your doctor regularly.
- Remember to leave unscheduled time for unexpected projects and emergencies that come up during the day.
Do you need even more time management tips? This post has even more time-saving ideas.
What about you? Do you struggle to manage your time? Do you find it difficult to take personal time? Do you have a favorite time management tip?
Leave a comment and let us know.
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Oh my goodness - awesome list here, Laura!
I love point number one so much. Plan ahead - it really helps save time. I recommend a few minutes in the morning and a few in the evening - to look ahead and look back.
Posted by: Easton Ellsworth | November 28, 2007 12:02 PM | Permalink to Comment