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Not listening to your
feelings or gut reactions. Have you ever made a decision only to have it be followed by a major stomach ache or
headache? This is your body talking to you. Our brains are constantly taking in more information than we can
consciously process. All of this extra information gets buried in our subconscious. Although we may not be able to
retrieve this information, our body stores it for us until it is needed. In moments when we need to make a
decision, our bodies provide clues to the answer through feelings or gut reactions. Unfortunately, our society
teaches us to ignore these feelings, but by tuning into your intuition, you will find that you will make much
better decisions in the long run.
Making Time
You planned on getting to work
early to finish the project that's due today, but now the car won't start. You know you wrote the mechanic's
name down somewhere, but now you can't remember where you put it. You frantically search through your notes, but
you can't find it anywhere. There's no way you're going to have time to finish your project. You start to
panic.
The clock just keeps ticking.
Most of
us have felt swamped at one time or another. With hectic work schedules, family responsibilities, and social
engagements, there just doesn't seem to be enough time for everything we need and want to do. However, there is
light at the end of the tunnel. Although life will always provide us with its little twists and turns, once we
learn to manage our time wisely, much of the day-to-day chaos in our lives can be reduced or even eliminated.
The first step in learning how to manage your time is to develop a general work schedule. Your work schedule should
include time for yourself as well as time for the maintenance of your business.
After you've defined the major elements of your workload, the next step is to prioritize them by identifying
critical deadlines, routine maintenance items, and fun/relaxation time. Answering questions like "How much time do
I have to make this decision, finish this task, or contact this person?" will help you to start identifying what
needs to be done immediately versus what can wait. Setting priorities depends on deadlines, how many people you
must call to get the information you need, and whether you can delegate or get assistance from others. If you are
involved in group projects, reserve additional time for communication and problem-solving.
Once you have identified your priorities, look at all of your options for achieving them. Evaluate and move forward
with the ones you feel are the most useful for you. The only time to consider changing approaches mid-task is when
you know the change will save time. If you are in doubt, it is usually best to consider in the direction you
started.
By setting up your work schedule and identifying your priorities, you have already started down the road to more
effective time management. Other time management suggestions you may find useful for managing both your business
life as well as your personal life include the following:
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Contract out tasks.
Contract out tasks you do not have the expertise to complete. Your client will appreciate your honesty and effort
to get the best result.
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