I'll share my "tip" jar with you. 7 "tips" for Business Success - Tip 6

When running your own business, obtaining the skill of time management is essential.  Over the years I've read pretty much every book written on time management. I guess  you could say I'm sort of obsessed with the topic. I do actually enjoy reading about the various ways you can carve out time to do the things you need to do.  Almost every book I read had some important point in it. 

In January of this year, I became a mom. Boy! Did that time management knowledge come in handy! I will confess though, there were days where nothing I learned or knew helped. I just had to give in to my day and let it take me where it needed to go. But, overall, the biggest thing I've learned is to make use of every minute of my day. As many moms out there can relate...I'm not JUST running a business. I am first a mom. Then, I have a house I need to keep clean and orderly as best as I can. Finally, there are other responsibilities like taking the baby in for her shots, getting the groceries, etc.  Completing  ALL of my tasks for the day requires lots of pre-planning. So, here are the top 4 time management tips from the tip jar. But the BIG tip from the jar today is...

TIP 6: Learn how to manage your time and you'll do a lot of what you need to do for your business.

Okay, now that we've established the importance and the benefits of time management, let's jump into the rest of the tips.

1. Spend 10-15 minutes every night planning out what needs to get done the next day. Make a quick list and get it out of your head. You'll sleep better too if you do this. Next to each task, right down any phone numbers for phone calls you need to make. Make note of the files on your computer or hard files you'll need in order to get the task completed. Basically, give a little more info about each task so that when you wake up the next day you can get right into it.  

2. Organize your work space. Whether you work at a coffee house, on your couch, your dining room table or from an actual desk in an actual office...organizing your work makes a huge difference on your work flow. Make sure the files on your computer are organized and things are filed in folders that make sense. Make hard copy files to keep on your desk. Keep all items you need to get your work done accessible and within reach. You  shouldn't have to get up too often or waste time searching for things you need.

3. Every minute counts. When you make a list and know what you have to do, you can utilize every minute, every chance you get to tackle a task. Just start doing something. Even if you think it'll take longer than the time you have. Just start it. Then, when you get another few minutes, continue with that task. 

4. Figure out your larger goals, and the feelings and desires you want to manifest in your life. When you work towards something bigger, it makes the smaller tasks, that can seem minuscule, significant. Once a year, I go through my journals, my to do lists, and mind maps and I sit down to plan out what I want for the New Year. More money, more love, more happiness, I want to feel passion, full of life...I write all these things down and then I try to figure out just how I am going to make these things happen. This becomes the basis of my weekly and daily task list. 

As the New Year approaches resolve to become a better time manager, because there's always room for growth! 
 

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