My "Tip" Jar, 7 Tips for Business Success - Tip 6

Development of time management skills is essential when you are running your own business. Over the years, I've read nearly every book written on time management. 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've read has had some relevance to it. 

When 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 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 a mom, first and foremost. And 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...

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TIP 6: Learn how to manage your time, because you need to for your business...and everything (or at least most things) will fall into place.

Okay, now that we've established the important benefits of time management, let's dive into this tip...

Planning - Spend 10-15 minutes, every night, making a plan for the next day. Jot down a quick list and then empty your head. You'll sleep better too if you do this. Next to each task, write down any contact information for phone calls you need to make. Make note of the files on your computer or hard files you'll need to get the task completed. Put down a few details about each task so that when you wake up the next day you can get right into it. 
WorkSpace - Whether you work at a coffee house, on your couch, at your dining room table, or from an actual office desk...organizing your space makes a huge difference in creativity and workflow. Make sure the files on your computer are organized and things are filed so they 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.

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

Manifest - Figure out your larger goals. What do you want to manifest? When you let your goals be loftier, the seemingly miniscule tasks become more significant. Once a year, I go through my journals, to-do lists, and mind maps. And then I sit down to plan out what I want to manifest in the New Year. More money, love, happiness, passion, vibrancy...I write all these things down and then I try to figure out just how I am going to bring them to fruition. This becomes the basis of my weekly and daily task list. 

As the New Year approaches, resolve to become better at time management. Because there's always room for growth! 

In honor of your Illumination,