How to stop running out of time…

Okay, I can’t add time to your day, at least not yet, but I can show you what has really helped us get more organized and be more productive.

Here’s the thing.  We all have things we must get done on a daily basis, and we all have things that need to be done on a weekly basis.

So, step #1 is make a list of everything that must be done on a daily basis.  No matter how big, make the list right now.  Then, step #2 is to make the list for weekly things.  Chances are, a lot of things you think that must be done on a daily basis are things that can really be done on a weekly basis.  Like checking your personal mail.  You can normally clump that into one day.  (unless there are checks, I always get those right away

Okay, so you have your two lists.

Here’s an example of some of the things on my daily to do list:

Exercise
Stretch
Read
Do some writing
Devotions
Check key #’s in the business (leads, inquiries)

and weekly things:

Send out referral thank you gifts
Mail out things
Pay Bills or Check Mail
Shopping for things

You can put personal and business stuff in there together, because honestly they will overlap in life, and this is amount time management in every area.

Now, you need to start taking 15, 20, or 30 minute blocks and block out the time for the things you need to do.  Does that make sense?

So, if you daily need to check your email, check it at 1:00pm every day for 20 minutes and get all you can get done in that time amount.

If you need to clean, I clean for 5 or 10 minutes every day 5 days a week.  Although we do have a cleaning service, it really helps keeps things organized.  I also organize paperwork 5 minutes a day, helps me stay on top of it.

The main thing you will find is not the complexity of doing it, it is the discipline.  So, what I like to do is reward myself and make this a game.

A little digital clock or timer, one that is sold for a couple of dollars, is also a great things to have on the side to keep you on track!

Also, it is very important you build in “catch up time” and not have every single 15 minutes spoken for.  Also, you should build in relaxation time, clearing of the mind time, etc.

Lastly, go easy on yourself to begin with.  Don’t beat yourself up if you are not 100% exact.  It really is amazing the productivity you will have, so get to it.

Ding, ding, ding ding, time to go!

Matt