Making The Most Out Of Your Time

Today, as I sit here trying to figure out (yet again) what to write for my blog, I am listening to the boys scream. They are so tired, and I am trying to make them take a nap. They are both in their rooms and I can still hear them. I hope that they fall asleep soon.

Because of them, I think that today’s blog will be about time management. I barely have nap times to work anymore (and I hate that)! However, when I do have time, I really need to be prepared to do as much as I can in as little time as I can.

Here are some tips to making the most out of the time that you have to get some work done.

Keep a calendar to keep track of what projects are due when. While some people like a monthly calendar, many people actually prefer a weekly one. You will have to find a system that works for you and stick to it. Maybe you need both so you can keep track of what you need to do long term and short term.

Keep a to-do list. Whether you do this with your calendar or some other way, be sure to know what you need to do when you have time. You also should mark things in order of importance, just in case you don’t get everything done that you need to do.

Eliminate time wasters. Avoid Facebook and e-mails when you have time to work. You may even want to put your phone away, so you aren't tempted in the least!

In fact, you may need to let others know that you are working. Too many people make phone calls and plan to stop by when they think you are home doing nothing. They may even ask you to babysit since you are just spending time at home. However, you need to set the record straight. You need to let them know that you are working, and you can't be interrupted.

Make sure that when you have time to work, you are ready to work. Try to prepare yourself when you know that you are going to have a few minutes to sit down and get some work done. If you work while your children are in bed, start to think about working as you put them in their beds.

Keep your desk (or designated area) organized and ready for you. That way, you don’t spend all of your time searching for what you need. Instead, you can just sit down and get done what needs to be done.

Know, before you sit down to work, exactly what you are going to do during the time allowed. Have a game plan devised before you have time to work. Do not waste valuable work time trying to decide what you need to do.

It can be hard to balance a business and all of the other things that you need to do. However, it can be very rewarding to be a small business owner. You can see your business grow and develop. It may start out as a way to bring in a little extra cash and end up making more than you ever dreamed possible.

To do that, you must use your time wisely. Know what you need to do and when. Whether you use a calendar or a to-do list (or both), you need to be prepared and organized. This will help you greatly whenever you have a few minutes to sit down. You should always avoid time wasters when you should be working. You don’t want your whole allotted work time to be spent gossiping on Facebook.