Most of us have felt swamped at one time or another. With hectic work schedules, family responsibilities and social engagements, there just doesn’t seem to be enough time for everything we need and want to do.
Although life will always provide us with its little twists and turns, once we learn to manage our time wisely, much of the day-to-day chaos in our lives can be reduced or even eliminated. The first step in learning how to manage your time is to develop a general work schedule. Your work schedule should include time for yourself, as well as time for maintaining your business.
After you’ve defined the major elements of your workload, prioritize them by identifying critical deadlines, routine maintenance items and fun/relaxation time. Setting priorities depends on deadlines and whether you can delegate or get assistance from others.
Once you have identified your priorities, look at all of your options for achieving them. Evaluate and move forward with the ones you feel are the most useful for you. The only time to consider changing approaches mid-task is when you know the change will save time.
By setting up your work schedule and identifying your priorities, you have already started down the road to more effective time management. Other time management suggestions you may find useful in your business and personal life include the following from the Small Business Administration:
1. Contract out tasks. Contract out tasks you do not have the expertise to complete. Your client will appreciate your honesty and effort to get the best result.
2. Start with the most worrisome task. Start the morning, afternoon or evening with the most worrisome task before you. This will reduce your anxiety level for the next task.
3. Complete deadline work early. Not only will this reduce stress and lighten your work schedule, but it also will give you more self-confidence about managing your schedule.
4. Know your capacity for stress. When you are hitting overload, take the break you need – even if it is a short one – when you need it.
5. Stay organized. Take time at the end of each day to briefly organize your desk and make reminder lists of tasks for the next day or week.
6. Take advantage of “down time.” Allow yourself some “down time” between busy periods to review your schedule and re-evaluate your priorities.
7. Get physical. Physical exertion, such as walking, bicycling, swimming, or organized sports activities, helps to discharge stress.
8. Have fun. Be sure to have some fun while working or playing; a good sense of humor also can keep most problems in perspective.
9. Divide up your time. Decide how much time to spend on business development, personal needs, volunteerism and family. Start by allowing 25 percent of your time for yourself. Each time you make a commitment, set a timeline for your involvement. Remember that maintenance takes at least 25 percent of the time you spend on any project, whether it’s business, marriage or serving on the board of a non-profit organization.
The author is a contributing editor to Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at acybulski@lawnandlandscape.com.
