Most entrepreneurs these days complain about the fact that they do not have enough time to do all that they have to do every single day. This is completely normal since competition is high and it always seems like there is something important that has to be done. Unfortunately, when many things have to be done, stress starts piling up. It is so easy to be burned out because of the extra stress.
Fortunately, although numerous tasks might have to be handled by the entrepreneur, through proper time management it is a lot easier to actually be effective. Follow these tips from German Trujillo Manrique and become much more effective:
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Write down a to-do list and then prioritize the important tasks. There are numerous studies that showcase the fact that those that write lists are so much more likely to actually complete them when compared to those that do not.
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Always be as realistic as possible about how much time it takes for every single task to be completed. This is needed since you need to block out the necessary time on the chosen planner. Be particularly careful when blocking time for appointments that involve driving.
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Schedule the most important tasks when you are most effective. For instance, if you are a true morning person, you want to start the day with quiet time alone, when you can do those important tasks. This is important since when you are the most focused and productive you want to take care of the vital tasks.
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Make sure that you do not multi-task. People are simply so much more productive in the event that they fully focus on one single task at one time, as opposed to juggling various different projects. At the same time, when you focus on one thing, you can cross it off your list at the end. This creates momentum and makes you satisfied with the work you do. When you do many tasks, you cannot cross out any of them if you work on absolutely all at the same time.
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Learn how to say no, which is so underestimated these days. Many entrepreneurs just say yes to everything so they end up with numerous tasks that have to be done and no time to actually finish them.
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In the event that you work from home, be sure to block absolutely all distractions that could sidetrack you. Get rid of the laundry basket and close the doors so people do not disturb you. Make it a habit to tell those living in your home when you work so you are not disturbed.
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Whenever possible, combine similar tasks. As an example, in the event that there are many phone calls that need to be done and emails you need to answer to, handle all the phone conversations first. Only then should you do the emails.
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Always keep all contacts in a single place, one that is really easy to reach. Some keep contacts in Outlook while others have them on the personal laptop. No matter the case, you need to have them in one place to quickly get the email addresses and phone numbers you require. You would be surprised to see how much time can be gained when you take this approach.