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Time is of the essence when starting and running a business. It doesn’t matter what stage you’re in. Making the most efficient use of your time would be very wise. Working smarter, not harder, should be the goal. That requires discipline, patience and planning. In my journey, there were times when I was motivated but not sure what my next step should be. I am very organized and find that I function best when things are in their place and when I know what I am doing and where I am going. The benefits of good time management include increased productivity, less stress, and more opportunities to get things done that matter. Using the following tips will help increase your productivity:
1. Set clear goals
When creating a plan for your business, setting a timeline and setting goals are two of the things you need to consider. Setting timelines keeps me on my toes. While setting a timeline gives you an idea of how long it will take, setting your goals allows you to focus your energy on the things you want to accomplish. Also, think about your short-term and long-term goals.
Related: 101 Time Management Tips to Increase Productivity Every Day
2. Prioritize
One of the best ways to stay focused on achieving your goals is to set priorities. Knowing how to prioritize work affects the time you spend on tasks and your overall success. Start by creating a list of tasks that need to be done. Be sure to order tasks by effort and start planning your time accordingly. Creating a list will help you visualize your goals and determine what is most relevant, as well as what is most urgent. You can’t go wrong with a to-do list.
3. Create a routine
The more you stick to your routine, the easier it becomes. Whether you work better in the morning or late at night, plan your tasks so you know you’ll be more productive and keep it the same. I work better at night. There have been many times that I stayed up all night and felt like I moved mountains in that moment. Your body naturally responds to repetitive behavior.
4. Avoid distractions
Honor the time you’ve spent working on that project and avoid distractions: no TV, social media, or texting during that time. If you are working in a public space, find a quiet area. Some people like to work in silence, while others may like soft music. Whatever the case, commit to that time.
Related: 7 Great Tips for Better Time Management
5. Practice the four Ds
Do, Defer (Delay), Delegate and Delete
Placing a task or project in one of these categories helps you manage your limited time more effectively and stay focused on what matters most to you. For anyone who has never used this: After doing it for the first time, you might get hooked.
6. Don’t multitask
I had a habit of multitasking, which was productive, but since I’ve started multitasking a lot less, I see how much more productive I’ve been. Instead of dividing your attention into three different things, it’s better to focus entirely on one thing at a time. To make it more effective, try timing them. That means assigning a time frame to each task which, as a result, increases the likelihood of its successful completion.
7. sleep
Studies have shown that when we have good sleep habits, we are healthier, more productive, and less stressed. Sleep is a detrimental factor that could affect many things both positively and negatively. When we get a good night’s rest, we not only feel refreshed and rejuvenated, but also contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Conversely, when we don’t get enough sleep, we may also be increasing health problems, such as diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, and more.
Related: Time Management: Learn the 5 Steps to Holistic Productivity
8. Don’t feel bad about failing.
Many people fear failure, it is human nature. But spending time stressed about failing is taking time away from being productive. Just try to jump in and conquer those fears. In my personal experience, failure was not necessarily a bad thing. I learned from those failures. I built on those failures. I grew from those failures. Believe in what you are doing and focus on why you are doing it.
9. Use an online calendar
I swear by online calendars. They are very useful and are a great foundational tool for time management. You can easily manage your schedule, mark important dates and events, set reminders, create time blocks, etc. The best part is that online calendars can be integrated with third-party apps and can be accessed from multiple devices. There are plenty of options to choose from, like Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar, and Apple Calendar, but the project calendar on ProofHub simplifies the way you manage your schedule, plan your events, and keep track of important dates and project deliverables. so that you are always ahead of the deadlines.
In conclusion, if you try some or all of these time management tips, you will most likely begin to feel more in control, with the confidence to choose the best way to use your time. And by feeling happier, more relaxed, and more able to think, you’re in a great place to continue your business.
Source: www.entrepreneur.com