As busy entrepreneurs trying to have it all, it’s really easy for things to get out of control. It’s therefore important to prioritize your most important tasks, and then set a schedule so you can be practical when planning your day. Try using a time management technique for entrepreneurs called time blocking if you have several large projects on the go.
Time blocking is about dedicating a fixed amount of time for a given task, then doing your best to complete it within the available time frame.
How to go about time blocking?
Set an amount per day to work on a project. For example, 30 minutes (or even 10 to 15 minutes as you wish) on a sales presentation. Set an alarm and when the alarm goes off, move on to the next project or task.
Even if you didn’t finish it and have to schedule it into another time box, it has allowed you to move forward one step. I find that entrepreneurs who are overwhelmed with so many things to do often become paralyzed and end up doing nothing but obsessing on what they need done.
Stop complaining, and take action!
Instead, use that obsessive energy to start ‘doing’ things. You’ll often find that when you start to take ACTION on something, anything, that feeling of helplessness lessens.
Of course, you can choose to complete your project in one go, just remember to take a few minutes break here and there. That way you focus on your end goal without overtaxing yourself mentally and physically.
The important thing in entrepreneurial time management is to follow your timer. For some reason, deadlines make it easier to focus. Think of when you know that you have to finish an important proposal in an hour because the submission deadline closes. Somehow you get it done!
Another variation is to work on a task until you achieve a specific output – laying out two pages of your product catalog, finishing the week’s expense report, or contacting 10 potential customers.
Don’t worry too much about finishing projects so you don’t get overwhelmed. Focus instead on giving undivided attention to each and every step.
What’s your favorite time management technique?
Elena is founder of a technology PR agency that works with startups to billion-dollar companies. She is passionate about helping marketers and small business owners with practical publicity strategies.
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Time Management is definitely something I battle with as a mom, working at my current employer, and trying to start a new business. It’s easy to get lost in projects and/or get nothing accomplished because you’re so overwhelmed with what you need to do that you are paralyzed from doing it. I personally like setting schedules and the time blocking approach as I work better under deadlines.
Thanks for this post
Hey Elena,
Couldn’t agree more about the power of time blocking.
I use a “simple and elegant” free app called Focus Booster.
http://www.focusboosterapp.com/
Now if I only had an app to help me with Wealthy Thought Leader Conference Withdrawal Syndrome.
Sheila
Thanks Sheila! I think some of us are calling the withdrawal “hangover”
I’m taking some time off next week to cure it! Glad you stopped by.
Hi Elena!
I’m a huge fan of time blocking. I know it doesn’t work for everyone, but it’s been incredibly effective and powerful for met. I think the biggest hitch is executing the discipline to use the time as you’ve allocated. Getting distracted and wasted your time block on unintended activities can get very dangerous.Staying committed to how you use your blocked time is equally as important as blocking the time off!
Absolutely agree Marlee – that’s how we’ll keep a balanced life. And on that note, I’m off to the gym!