As a small business owner, we need to be really careful of not only how we spend our working hours, but be mindful of who we interact with in our life.
For example networking is a vital part of any SME business; getting to know people and also putting your services/goods out so that people know what we are doing, but sometimes it’s too easy to spend too much time with someone, when there is nothing coming back to us. We shouldn’t feel bad about this; it’s a bit like going on a first date with someone – sometimes it works and sometimes we just have to say nice to have met you and walk away.
It’s not our responsibility to be there for everyone, particularly if we are just feeling sorry for them. But I know, from speaking with people, that some find this harder than others; women in particular. We don’t have to be rude, just very firm about our boundaries and that’s OK.
Equally, it’s too easy to spend time scrolling through social media apps, the long list of potential things to watch on Netflix. Suddenly half your evening has gone and you’ve not really done anything.
Valuing your time better involves being mindful of how you allocate your time and making choices that align with your priorities and goals. Here are some strategies that may help you:
- Set Clear Goals: Define your short-term and long-term goals to give your time purpose and direction. Knowing what you want to achieve allows you to prioritize tasks and activities that contribute to your goals.
- Prioritize Tasks: Identify tasks that are most important and urgent, and prioritize them accordingly. Use techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent/important matrix) to categorize tasks based on their importance and urgency.
- Learn to Say No: Be selective about the commitments you take on and learn to say no to tasks or activities that don’t align with your priorities or goals. Saying no frees up time for activities that are more meaningful and valuable to you.
- Limit Distractions: Minimize distractions that can eat up your time, such as social media, email, or unnecessary meetings. Set boundaries and create dedicated time blocks for focused work to maximize productivity.
- Delegate Tasks: Delegate tasks that can be done by others, especially those that are not aligned with your strengths or priorities. Delegating frees up your time to focus on activities that only you can do.
- Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together and tackle them in batches to improve efficiency and reduce context-switching. For example, set aside specific times for email, phone calls, or administrative tasks.
- Use Time Management Techniques: Experiment with different time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, time blocking, or the 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle), to improve productivity and focus.
- Track Your Time: Keep track of how you spend your time to identify patterns, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. Use tools like time-tracking apps or simple pen and paper to log your activities throughout the day.
- Schedule Breaks and Rest: Recognize the importance of rest and relaxation in maintaining productivity and well-being. Schedule regular breaks and make time for activities that recharge you physically, mentally, and emotionally.
- Reflect and Adjust: Regularly reflect on how you’re spending your time and evaluate whether it aligns with your priorities and goals. Make adjustments as needed to ensure that your time is being used in ways that are meaningful and fulfilling to you.
And don’t forget, if you have time spare or feel you have a project to start up that helps your community or beyond, get in touch with us.
