Are you a hot mess? Are you already dreading this week and it is only Monday morning?
Today should have been my first day back in the office after being gone for a week BUT Irma had other plans. I did spend some time in the office last week BUT I’m not sure how much I actually got done. It is Monday and I am playing the avoidance game. Avoidance is a time waster which leads to being hard on yourself, right?
When it comes to business especially one online – wasting time will be the death of it. I don’t mean time you take to renew your physical and mental powers because we need to do it in order to keep going. I’m talking about the wasted minutes and hours which get out of hand….. the black hole of Facebook or Pinterest or Instagram.
I have talked about time management in the past and really wonder if we are managing our time or our tasks? When I sometimes find myself obsessed with everything BUT working productively in my business I go back to the basics:
#1 – Block distractions.
I know it can be easier said then done. How often do your keep multiple tabs open so you can see if you get any messages. Block email and Facebook alerts (all social media), turn off your phone (or at least lower the volume) and hang a “do not disturb” sign on your home office door (if you have one). What are the things which distract you from getting work done?
#2 – Set a time to begin work – and stick to it.
When you turn on your computer for work, give yourself a certain amount of time (10 minutes or so) to surf the ‘net and review your email before you begin. Set a timer if you have to so you can then focus on work. Switch into work mode and don’t look back until you’re done. I have done the back and forth thing, jumping from one thing to another and the end result is my brain becomes mush and it is more difficult to focus.
#3 – End your work at a set time.
This is a tough one for this workaholic. Hubby works the swing shift so I try to set my work hours accordingly. Does it work? Sometimes. I do some early morning hours, then head back in the afternoon till the early evening. Are there times when I spend more on my business and less time everywhere else? Yes, usually for several days during the month when I am closing parties or it is the end of the month. I am practicing on a regular day, setting a time to stop work so I can refresh myself both physically and mentally. I find when I do this, I am more focused when I am in the office.
#4 – Distinguish busy work from working toward goals.
I am so guilty of this. Busy work can be a waste of time. Remember the “black hole” I mentioned earlier, the truth is you may be procrastinating. Did you set a goal which is TOO BIG or are you afraid of failing? They should scary you but you can break them up into manageable steps. The best way to beat procrastination is to take action! Do something to move forward
What is your best tip for managing your tasks instead of your time? We all have 24 hours in a day, there is no changing it. The difference is how we decide to work during those hours.
Would you like some more great tips on Time Management which have worked for me? Fill out the form below:
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 