03.28.08
Managing Your Time Effectively
One thing I’ve learned since starting my business, is that there is not enough time in the day to get everything done. From maintaining your website, blogs, social accounts, family, household, friends, yourself the list just never seems to end. In the begining, everything is important and deciding what task can be put off for a later time is difficult.
I learned about time management in high school, college and at the various jobs I’ve had over the years. I know how important it is to schedule my time effectively, so that I can complete the tasks that are important first. This will minimize stress and I will be able to stay on top of things. However, this is sometimes easier said than done. Especially online. There are constantly new things to do and find out about and decide on.
Remianing focused would have to be a number one tip. For some, it is difficult to follow. I myself find it hard to do. I am focused (or try to be), then find a great tidbit of information, stop what I was doing to check out that information, which can then lead me to more great information. Before I know it, I’ve spent hours following a trail and lost sight of what I should have been doing. Now, I’m behind in my schedule.
Follow a schedule. Refering to the above paragraph, not always easy to do either. But, it will help to make a task list and at least attempt to stick with it. To make a task list, I find it best if I make my list the night before.
Make a list of everything you have to get done and prioritize it. List the most important tasks first and move on down.
Know how much time you have to spend completing these tasks. If you only have an hour, then be realistic and schedule tasks that can be completed in that hour. If you try to over schedule, you’ll be disappointed with yourself and be stressed.
If you tend to lose focus, keep a pen and paper handy and jot down your new finds for later. These can be added for when you complete your tasks for that day, if there is time, or be added for the next day.
To make scheduling your tasks easier, buy a notebook for scheduling tasks or find a task list scheduler online.
Once you are in the habit of making your schedule and following it, your day will go smoothly and you may even find you have more time for yourself. How do you manage your time?
