3 steps towards better time management
Recently I took the time to chat with some local small business owners about their admin pain points, and the most common theme discussed was time management. If time management is also one of your pain points, have you thought about taking a more holistic approach?
Here are some ways I tackle time management within my own business:
Rhythms
Working to your own rhythms is a game changer. Leaning into your daily, weekly and monthly cycles can benefit you mentally and physically.
I'm a morning person and find I'm most productive when I first wake up. I try to tackle my biggest task in the morning and schedule easier tasks in the afternoon when I’m more likely to procrastinate. Another rhythm I work to is my monthly cycle and hormones. I like to think of each phase of my cycle as the seasons: Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. When I’m in the summer phase (ovulation), I’m more creative and have more energy to tackle bigger tasks. When I’m in my winter phase (menstruation), I’m more likely to want to hide in a dark room, feel comfy, and chip away at easier repetitive tasks.
To work with your own rhythms, consider the following:
Are you a morning or afternoon person?
What external factors do I need to work around throughout my week, such as childcare?
Do I recognise how hormones play a factor in how I’m feeling and my productivity levels?
By recognising your rhythms, it’s easier to lean into them more and schedule your time accordingly.
Scheduling
If you’re a small business owner, you’re likely wearing all the hats which can take up a lot of mental space. The best thing to do is try and free up space for bigger items. Scheduling recurring tasks is the first step to creating more capacity for other aspects of your business.
Make a list of all the recurring tasks you need to complete within your business, and allocate them as daily, weekly or monthly tasks. Start adding your tasks to either your calendar or tasks management system. You’ll need to ensure they are added as a repeating or recurring task. It may also help to colour code the task to easily identify them.
By having your recurring tasks set up in your calendar or tasks management system, you’re not required to remember them and can focus on the areas you love.
Breathing Space
Allowing your mind to wander can greatly reduce procrastination and increase problem solving. Ever feel stuck on something, and just can’t seem to solve a problem or move through it? Try grounding exercises, going for a walk, practising meditation/mindfulness, or even stepping away for a moment.
I often find I do my best problem solving whilst washing up, or putting my son to bed. It’s that time when I’m quiet, not consuming anything, and I allow my mind to wander, processing the task ahead of me.
I'd love to know if these have resonated with you, and what you have found helpful by tagging me on social media. Take that time to plan, and if you ever need help, please reach out via my contact page.
