Managing our time as Solopreneurs is probably one of the biggest challenges we face. We all have the same 24 hours, but why does it seem some people get so much work done in that available time and others can’t seem to get even one thing done? Which one of these lists resonates the most with you?
1) Poor or no planning 2) Worry 3) Don’t think you can do it (whatever ‘it’ is) 4) Procrastination 5) Doing urgent tasks rather than important tasks to move your business forward 6) Always putting out fires 7) Multi-tasking
OR
1) Creating daily/weekly/monthly or yearly goals 2) Working your plan 3) Working ON your business rather than IN your business 4) Working on one task at a time 5) Making decisions quickly and decisively 6) Saying ‘no’ when the request doesn’t fit into your plan
If the first list had you nodding your head and saying to yourself, “Yes, that’s me!”, then it’s time to put a few things in place so that the second list is the one you nod your head to. *smile* Ready?
Here are some suggestions:
1. Make a list of all of the things you do in a typical week and the number of hours it takes you to do these things. Remember, we all have the same 24 hours/day or 168 hours/week. Don’t forget to allow time to sleep in the list of things you’re creating.
2. Once you have your list, look at it with a very critical eye and ask yourself if YOU really need to do all of the things on the list. I’ll bet there are a few things you don’t have to do. Would you agree? If so, delegate those items.
3. The list you now have in front of you should be scrutinized further to see if you really want to do those things. If you do, great! If you don’t, graciously remove yourself from the situation (and don’t say yes again unless you really have the time!).
4. Now, get moving! Usually, this is the hardest one after number 3. We usually spend so much time avoiding something or thinking of every possible scenario we exhaust ourselves before we even begin. As Nike says, “Just Do It.” Perfection is not what we are after. Movement is what we are after.
5. Create a routine, but don’t be so rigid you can’t allow for some change. Spontaneity is good!
6. If a task looks to be too big to tackle, break it up into smaller pieces. Remember, you can’t eat an elephant in one bite.
7. Schedule a time to start and a time to stop. Frequent breaks help keep you energized.
8. Keep the big picture in mind (or put it on a vision board), but don’t let the details overwhelm you. When the details get overwhelming go back to step 4.
9. Get a coach, or join a group of like-minded individuals where you can support each other.
10. Most important ~ Have Fun!!
About the Author:
Cindy Hillsey, Certified Professional Coach, is a Mentor/Coach to Solopreneurs, and specializes in coaching Virtual Assistants.
As an innovative and inspiring business maverick, Cindy’s number one goal is to remove the unease around being a first time business owner.
For more information and FREE resources and articles, please visit: http://www.virtualpartnering.com