If you’re a business owner, you’re probably familiar with one constant in the business world: there’s never enough time in the day. If you’re not careful, the time between your first sip of coffee and your last email can pass in a blur!
Unfortunately, no matter how well you lay down your schedule, interruptions run rampant. From late work cutting into your time off to meetings spent putting out little fires, it’s hard to know how to take control of your valuable time.
That’s where the right scheduling tricks come in. Sure, it’s true that every business owner has different preferences and priorities—but in general, a few simple techniques can help you make the most of your workweek.
Here are my top tips to help you manage your time, all drawn from my experience as a business owner
Set Up a Morning Routine
Some of the most successful people in the world absolutely swear by the power of morning rituals. Pulling yourself out of bed early to hit the ground running can help you tackle critical tasks and make the most of those creative waking moments.
The thing about this tip is that it’s wonderfully flexible. Some people choose to set the tone for the rest of their busy day by reading, journaling, or meditating. Others take time to exercise, strategize, set goals for the day, or write up a to-do list. The choice is yours!
Find a Strategy That Makes You a Productive Business Owner
When it comes to productivity, everyone has different needs. Before you set your calendar in stone, do a little trial-and-error scheduling to see which strategy works for you.
In the past, I’ve found that some business owners prefer batching activities to improve their focus. Others love taking frequent breaks via the 52-17 method. Some use a maker’s or manager’s schedule to decide how to spend their days. Some even devote specific weekdays to specific activities, such as a set time for recruiting and another for marketing each week. Again, experiment to see which strategy works best.
Define Your Work-Life Balance
Though it may be tempting to throw every moment into your business, it’s essential to have a solid work-life balance. And, more importantly, you need to decide what that balance looks like for you!
I know you are a business owner, but do you want to spend more time playing with your kids? Do you have a personal hobby you’re trying to learn? Are you hoping to socialize with friends more often, or do you want to set aside time for self-care? Whatever your preferences, outline specific goals to make them happen, and don’t forget to add them to your calendar.
Trust Your Team
It’s impossible to take care of everything on your own, though most of us make the mistake of trying! If you plan to take time for yourself at all—and if you want your business to be successful—you’ll need to learn to trust your team.
This includes two specific things. First, any good business coach will tell you that you’ll need to hire the right people. Taking the time to engage in comprehensive screening can help you find the people who will take your company to the next level. From there, you’ll need to learn to delegate effectively. Delegation can not only free you up to take on more critical tasks, but it’s also a crucial part of your team’s development.
Ultimately, if you are a business owner that thinks there’s no time to get things done, the chances are good that your scheduling tactics are to blame. Using the strategies above—like making time for yourself in the mornings, experimenting to find the right scheduling tactics, and delegating tasks to get your ideal work-life balance—can help you set up your days with more ease. Give them a shot to see how much valuable time you can save!