Welcome!
Do you struggle with finding the time to do the things you love?
Do you want to create more time in your life?
Are you overwhelmed with all the things you need to juggle?
Have you ever thought there aren't enough hours in the day, or felt overwhelmed at tasks facing you?
If you have this article is for you!
Here's 10 tips to help you on your way to a more balanced lifestyle.
1. Clarify your goals and strategy
Be very clear about your aims and ambitions, both short, medium and long term. Write them down and get specific.
Once you know what you really want to achieve (and why) it’s easier to make decisions about what needs doing, and to plan accordingly.
Ask yourself, are you ready to take action?
Set and actually achieve your goals?
Have you got clarity on what you want?
And I mean crystal clear?
Or are you talking yourself out of it?
People say things like, it isn’t for me, or I will settle for what I have, I aren’t good enough, clever enough, wealthy enough to even start.
Does this sound like you?
Be honest with yourself. If so, it is time to take control. By having the clear vision, you will instantly see where you should be focusing your time and energy.
2. Focus on your top priorities
You’ll be more productive and profitable if you identify and focus on the area’s most important to your business. Work on the fundamentals first. The Latin word ‘fundamentum’ means foundation – so take action, build strong foundations and the rest should follow. But the emphasis is on strong. No building has ever stood on rocky foundations, and neither will any business or dream.
3. Schedule time
Literally write an appointment in your work planner your online calendar or whatever method you use. To set aside a realistic block of time for your priority actions, I block everything out in 30-minute segments. This reduces anxiety over not having enough time and keeps you focused on the tasks ahead. Everything goes in my diary, from meetings to travel time, lunch break and meditation etc. My whole life in one place to help me make sure that I am holistically meeting my needs in all areas.
4. Say no!
Consider Jim Rohn’s suggestion. “Learn how to say no. Don't let your mouth overload your back.” Always check your schedule before committing to anything new. Don’t allow others to divert you from your objectives but make sure you have a balance. I’m not saying don’t be spontaneous, don’t do for others. But what I am saying is people will try to divert you and take you off task. Again you need to prioritise and if it does not feel right say no.
5. Create supportive systems
This includes systems for filing, management information and communication. What organisational strategies do you have in place? Do they work?
Are they efficient?
If it isn’t working, have you looked at if something else will meet your needs better?
We all need systems in place which work for us and not against us. Can you automate things?
These systems will save you loads of time, even if it costs you a bit of money. Time we can't get back, money we can make more of and having systems in place which saves you time is likely to make you money.
6. Take a reality check
Will your current activity have a positive outcome, or are you doing it to avoid something else?
Ask yourself – will doing this take me closer towards my goal? As Peter F Drucker observed “There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.” And we can all procrastinate from time to time.
7. Delegate!
It’s tempting to do something yourself when you think you can do it faster and better. But consider the long term – delegation now will save time in the future, and if done appropriately can motivate your staff, boost their confidence and help them develop their skills. It's important to know what you want from the tasks you are delegating out, if you are aiming in the dark and not clear about this. You can't expect the people you are delegating to, to get the task right. Be clear, specific and give timescales.
8. Repeat your success
Remember the last time you went away on holiday, and how you got so much done in those few days before you left?
What strategies and techniques did you employ that made you so effective and focused?
Can you repeat them?
Alternatively, imagine you are going away tomorrow and work through today accordingly. And it might not be a holiday but what was the motivating force which has made you effectively achieve in the past? Can you replicate this?
9. Balance your life
In your planner or diary schedule personal activities too, so you make time for family, friends, your health and fun because having a balanced life reduces stress and increases energy levels. Time management is really about life management! Fulfilment is about ensuring you make time for your interests and your hobbies. These should not and do not have to come at the expense of other aspects in your life. Your time is a priority to, you can have it all and you can balance it all, it just takes planning and commitment. You got this!
10. End the day
At the end of the working day, tidy your desk, make notes about what needs doing tomorrow and prioritise those tasks. You will worry less that evening and be prepared and focused the next morning. This clears your head, so you and relax!
If you would like to learn more about the services I offer and working with me you can book a free discovery call via my website.
Email us at amanda@amandabrenkley.com
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