Time is our most valuable resource, and we simply cannot afford to waste it. The business world today is filled with people just like you, who are trying to make it on their own, or to promote their work, so what makes you think that you are better than they are? You may be more talented than them, more intelligent and more inspired, but as long as you do not successfully manage your time, you might never reach your full potential. Have you ever wondered how some people manage to do so many things at once, and still find time for a personal life?
I believe that entrepreneurs have the hardest job, because they are the solely responsible for their actions and results. This means that they must know how to prioritize work, and get things done. Take a web developer, for example. He has to work in the code of the page, find clients, create a team, give out tasks, create a portfolio and stay connected to his social media account. This sounds like a lot, so how is it possible? Here are five time management tips that will help you better organize your time and increase productivity.
1. Create an Inspiring Workspace
Entrepreneurs and freelancers usually work from home, and this means that they spend most of their time at their desk. Don’t think for a second that you will be able to work at full capacity if you always have a messy and depressing office. Interior designers recommend the use of light and calming colors to revitalize a workspace. Also, cleanliness is very important if you want to have order in your thoughts. According to numerous online agencies, like digitalnetagency.com, one of the most important things, that determine the overall productivity of an employee, is whether or not the workspace is inspiring. As a result, you don’t need fancy furniture and decorations, but you should try to create a space in which you feel comfortable and energetic.
2. Organize Your Time
I was talking earlier about the many tasks that an entrepreneur has to handle during the week. In order to better track things, and to be productive, one should try to break down things. For example, try to send e-mails on Monday, contact clients on Tuesday, and Code the following three days. Obviously, this is just an example, but you understand the point. Also, try to organize your working day. It is impossible to work for 8 hours straight, so make sure you figure out what your golden hours are, and take advantage of them.
3. Don’t Overwork
Contrary to popular belief, freelancers actually work a lot more than normal employees. Why? A regular employee will usually do everything he can during the eight hours of work, and then go home. On the other hand, an entrepreneur always has something to do, and he might end up working for more than 12 hours a day. If you are one of these people STOP! You may feel great in the beginning, but overwork can seriously affect your productivity on the long run. Respect your health, and respect your weekends. Whatever it is you have to do, it can wait until tomorrow.
4. Concentrate on the Task at Hand
Social Media is a dangerous addiction that has managed to eat up a lot of time. E-mail writing and replying can also eat up a lot of time. Any other distractions and God knows there are many, will affect your performances, and before you know it, the working day is done. Whenever you are coding, writing or creating something, try to shut of all access to other mediums. You will see significant improvements in your overall performance.
5. Take Proper Care of Yourself
There is a reason why so many people stress the importance of healthy eating, proper sleep and sports. It is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, if you want to function properly for a long time. But it is not only the body that must be healthy, the mind is also important. Take breaks, go out with your friends, and try to disconnect once in a while. It is easy to become trapped in the virtual world, but sometimes you simply have to let go.
What do you do in order to organize your time? Please share your thoughts with us.
About the Author:
Anna Robeson is a digital entrepreneur and tech freak who spends most of her time researching about technology and other interesting news. In her free time she enjoys writing and reading poetry.
Image Credit: Vintage Button
