As 2013 draws to a close, business owners around the world are taking the opportunity to reflect back on the year that was, and to look forward to the New Year. I’m sure you’ve got a long list of things you’d like to improve on in 2014—and if you don’t yet, I’m sure you’ll be working on it over the next couple of weeks.
Along those lines, I’d like to suggest that there may be a single skill which could make a dramatic difference in your productivity and the profitability of your business in 2014: time management. As I’ve said before, we all have 24 hours per day to work with. I’ve worked with business owners of all shapes and sizes, and I’ve notice one common thread among all of the most successful individuals I’ve worked with: they are exceptional time managers. They get more important things done in one day than many people do in a week or even a month.
So how can you improve your time management in the New Year? Below are seven practical ideas:
1) Set up “distraction free” blocks of time during your day. If you’re like most business owners I work with, you’re constantly being pulled in different directions. As a result, you have little “quiet time” to think and to accomplish important tasks. Combat this by building several blocks of time in to your daily schedule – and inform your team that you are only to be interrupted in the event of an emergency.
2) Learn to focus on one task at a time. Our culture increasingly values multi-tasking, but numerous studies have shown that we are at are best while focusing on one task at a time. Make it a habit to work on a single task until it’s done, and then move on to the next.
3) Don’t let email take over your day. If you’re constantly monitoring your inbox it can be difficult to get anything else done. Designate several periods of time each day to review and respond to email, and do your best to avoid it the rest of the time.
4) Eliminate wasteful email habits. Stop “replying all” unless it’s necessary. Don’t forward long email chains to others unless the information is relevant. Be clear and concise, not long winded. And train your team to do the same!
5) Prioritize before you begin each day. What are your top priorities each day? Start your day by identifying them, and resist being pulled off track.
6) Be proactive, not reactive. Don’t let the events of the day shift your focus unless they demand immediate attention from you. Stick to your priorities and don’t let “urgent but not important” matters drain your time and energy.
7) Get the rest you need. Finally, don’t overdo it. Working 60, 70, 80 hour weeks just isn’t sustainable over the long run. Get the rest your body and your mind needs, and you’ll find that the time you do spend working is more productive than ever.
Questions or comments? Contact me today to learn more. Here’s hoping 2014 is an incredible year for you, your family, and your business!