I’ve been coaching a woman for almost a year and about once a quarter we coach through her time management.
She always starts off strong after coaching on this topic and then tells me that she notices she starts to backslide and needs help getting back on track. So this post is for anyone looking to better manage their time.
1. Clarify your goals and strategy
Be very clear about your aims and ambitions, both short and long term. Write them down. Once you know what you really want to achieve (and why) it’s easier to make decisions about what needs doing, and to plan accordingly.
2. Focus on your top priorities
You’ll be more productive and successful if you identify and focus on the areas most important to you. Work on building a strong foundation and the rest should follow. For my client, getting to the c-suite is her priority, so we’ve been building a strong leadership base for her.
3. Schedule time
Literally write an appointment in your calendar to set aside a realistic block of time for your priority actions. This reduces anxiety over not having enough time and keeps you focused.
4. Say no!
Always check your schedule before committing to anything new. Don’t allow others to divert you from your goals.
5. Create supportive networks
I strongly encourage my clients to look through their closest five friends and make sure they are keeping each other sharp. If not, it’s time to clean out your inner circle.
6. Take a reality check
Will your current activity have a positive outcome, or are you doing it to avoid something else?
7. Delegate
It’s tempting to do something yourself when you think you can do it faster and better. Usually you are more efficient at it; however, when you consider the long term, delegation now will save time in the future, and, if done appropriately can motivate your staff, boost their confidence and help them develop their skills. In the long run, delegation actually will save you time.
8. Repeat your success
Remember the last time you went away on a vacation, and how you got so much done in those few days before you left? What strategies and techniques did you employ that made you so effective and focused? Can you repeat them? Alternatively, imagine you are going away tomorrow and work through today accordingly. It’s surprising how much we can get done when we focus ourselves in this way.
9. Balance your life
Schedule personal activities too, so you make time for family, friends, health and fun because having a balanced life reduces stress and increases energy levels. Time management is really about life management!
10. End the day
At the end of the working day, tidy your desk, make notes about what needs doing tomorrow and prioritize those tasks. You’ll worry less that evening and be prepared and focused the next morning.
Work with me
If your time management needs some tlc, I would love to help you figure out what’s preventing you from living your best life. Click here and find a time for us to talk.