Time Management: The First Step to Reaching Your Goals
Every day, every person is given 86,400 seconds. Precious seconds that we are tasked with managing each day. The difference between successful individuals and those not reaching their potential is simple, just a matter of time management.
Are you ready to make the most of your day? Of your year? Here are some tips that have worked wonders for me in my business:
1. Know your goals.
So often we sit down and go through small or daily goals while losing track of the big picture. Know what you are working towards. Set your mind on the big picture goal, and the daily grind won’t be so monotonous. Having internal monologue with yourself daily helps keep you on track to reach bigger goals. Internal environment isn’t the only part of setting yourself on the right track, you should also make sure your surrounding yourself with people of the same drive and goals as you.
2. Organize and prioritize your to do list
It can be easy to get overwhelmed by your to do list. Many of us have multiple hats we wear, and multiple tasks we must complete daily, especially in today’s COVID standard of living. The best way to not get beaten down by your daily expectations is to break them down. Organize your list by priority and group things together that can be completed together. Know what you must complete first to flow through your to do list smoothly.
3. Plan Ahead.
If you don’t plan to succeed, you plan to fail. Know what is on your plate for the following day. Mentally break it down and be prepared. If you’ve thought of it once, I’ve thought of it twice because I started my day yesterday. Make sure you are being realistic with your to do list in comparison to how much time you have to complete it.
4. Eliminate the negativity.
Take away any disruptions from your personal and business life. Negativity and disruptions will only take your focus away from your goals and what you are working for. Identify and eliminate time wasters in your day. Though they may seem like not a lot of time wasted at a time, five and ten minutes wasted throughout the day adds up. Keep yourself focused and keep negativity and distractions out of your line of vision. Check that baggage at the door!
5. Have a system for organization.
Not everyone works the same way. For some, digital organization is the way to go. Other people prefer pen and paper organization. Whatever your system is, make sure you have a system that works for YOU. More importantly, be consistent and stick to it.
6. Spend your spare time wisely.
The difference between those moving up in the world and those staying stagnant is what they do with their extra time. The most successful people in the world spend their extra minutes bettering themselves. Mark Cuban said, “It not about money or connections. It’s the willingness to outwork and outlearn everyone.” Never stop learning, find your weakness and make it your strength. Find joy in bettering yourself and therefore bettering your tomorrow.
7. Take care of you.
Many times, business owners and hard-working individuals focus solely on their goals and forget to take care of themselves. You cannot create more time, and if you are not well (emotionally, physically and mentally) you will not be as effective reaching your goals. Take time out to take care of yourself. Self-care is just as important as time management. If you do not take time to celebrate your wellness, you’ll be forced to take time to tend to your illness.