As a small business owner, you have a seemingly never-ending to-do list, and it's easy to feel like there's never enough time to accomplish everything. However, it's important to remember that time management is really self-management. Instead of trying to manage time, we need to focus on managing our own actions and activities to make the most of the 86,400 seconds we have in a day. By optimising our productivity and taking control of our time, we can achieve peak performance and accomplish more in less time.
In this blog post, we'll discuss some practical tips for self-management that will help you improve your productivity and reach your goals.
The Importance of Self-Management
Self-management is all about taking control of your own actions and activities. It means being disciplined, prioritising effectively, and focusing on the things that matter most. When you adopt a self-management approach, you take ownership of your time and your schedule, rather than letting it control you. This can lead to increased productivity, reduced stress, and a greater sense of accomplishment.
Managing Your Productive Time
When it comes to managing your time, it’s important to focus on your productive time zone. This is the time when you are most alert, engaged and capable of getting things done. For many people, this is during the workday, so we’ll focus on that time zone specifically.
#1 Plan Ahead
One of the keys to effective self-management is planning ahead. At the end of each workday, take a few minutes to review what you accomplished and what you need to do tomorrow. Make a list of the most important tasks and prioritise them in order of importance. Then, block out the necessary time for each task in your calendar.
#2 Eat the Ugly Frogs First
When you start your workday, tackle the most important, challenging, or unpleasant tasks first. This is known as “eating the ugly frogs.” By getting these tasks out of the way early, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and have more energy and motivation to tackle the rest of your to-do list.
#3 Minimise Distractions
Distractions are the enemy of productivity. Whether it’s social media, email, or chatty co-workers, distractions can derail your focus and reduce your efficiency. To maximise your productive time, minimise distractions as much as possible. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and communicate your need for uninterrupted focus to your colleagues.
#4 Take Breaks
While it may seem counterintuitive, taking breaks can actually increase your productivity. Regular intervals allow your brain to rest and recharge, which can help you focus better and work more efficiently. Try taking a 5 to 10-minute break every hour or so to stretch, move around, or simply clear your head.
Overall, time management is really about self-management. By controlling your actions and activities, you can optimise your productive time and get more done in less time. By planning ahead, eating the ugly frogs first, minimising distractions, and taking breaks, you can adopt a self-management approach that leads to increased productivity and a greater sense of accomplishment.