One thing that I hear from people all the time is that they want to make changes in their business or life but don’t seem to have the “extra” time to do it. Well obviously we haven’t come up with a 26 hour day yet to give you some more hours so let’s take a look at just a few techniques that you can use today. Most time management experts encourage us to develop techniques so that we are “responding” to our day rather than feeling like we are “reacting” to whatever comes our way. Here are some tips that to give you some more time:

Refocus every day
Ask yourself every morning what you really need to get done today and what can wait. If you get those things done within the first few hours of the day, you will feel a boost of energy.

Phone time
Respond to calls when you have time rather than reacting every time the phone rings. Most calls can wait at least a few hours to be answered. Then make all your call backs during one block of uninterrupted time.

Email
Just check your email twice a day. When you send someone a message requesting something, make it clear what you need and let them know when you need the information so they can respond appropriately.

Phone rather than in person meetings
Obviously some things need to be done in person but just try for a few weeks scheduling some meetings by phone instead. You will be amazed at the time you save. I used to think coaching couldn’t be done as well by phone but now I love it and so do my clients. In person meetings often require travel time and it is harder to bring them to a timely conclusion. I find that I can spend more time and better quality time with someone on the phone.

Is it worth my time?
Often we find ourselves spending time on tasks that aren’t related to our goals and priorities at all. Take a few moments today to reflect on your work activities and ask yourself if it is helping you achieve your goals. You want to know if this is going to help you increase your business or make money. If it isn’t, consider not doing it any longer or delegating it to someone if it still needs to be done.

Now that you have some extra time, I suggest you use it for setting things in motion for the future – planning, creating new products, programs and services. That “extra time” will come in handy as you take on new business.



©Barbara Didion – Please ask permission to reprint this article.


Barbara Didion
Business & Personal Coach
Entrepreneurs Getting Better Results with Less Work
web blog - www.bizuniquelyu.com

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