Introduction
It goes without saying that businesses who utilize good time management skills are more likely to succeed, and this is especially important for digital nomads. Not only will you be able to effectively manage your team and tasks, but you will also be able to achieve your desired goals within a short timeframe. On top of that, good time management enables you to free up your schedule and spend more time doing the things you enjoy!
When you’re first starting out as an entrepreneur, these skills are essential to building a successful business, and I teach my private clients how to get more done in less time. In this blog, we’ll look at how to improve time management skills and increase productivity. We’ll also identify strategies for prioritizing tasks and advice on how to minimize distractions.
Strategies for prioritizing tasks
Task prioritization is the simple act of breaking up your to-do list into manageable chunks. It’s the ability to know what needs to be done first by completing tasks in order of importance.
The best way to do this successfully is to find ways of identifying high-priority tasks. Start by creating a master to-do list, where you consolidate all tasks into one document. List every task for every client and mark whether it needs to be done urgently, completed at another time or delegated to someone else. Are there any unnecessary tasks on your list? Maybe these tasks can be pushed back a few months or erased entirely.
When it comes to prioritising tasks, there are also a number of useful strategies you can adopt. Let’s take a look at two of the most popular strategies and how they can be utilised.
Eisenhower Matrix
A fantastic time management tool, the Eisenhower Matrix is a great way to list and prioritse tasks. It is a simple four box square that you can draw out or create on your desktop. All you need to do is label the columns as ‘Urgent’ and ‘Not Urgent’ and the rows as ‘Important’ and ‘Not Important’. List your tasks into the appropriate boxes depending on the deadline. Once you have listed them, follow the ‘do, schedule, delegate or delete’ strategy. With this method, you’re likely to save some time by delegating more tasks and avoiding unnecessary ones.
Pomodoro Technique
Developed in the 1980s, the Pomodoro Technique is a useful time management strategy that is still going strong. Designed to give you more breaks, this technique aims to improve concentration and reduce mental fatigue. If you are someone who gets easily distracted, then this might be the right choice for you. The idea is that you choose a task, set a timer for 25 minutes and work on that task solidly until that timer goes off. Take a 5 minute break and carry it out all over again. This is what is known as a pomodoro. For each pomodoro, extend your break between 15-20 minutes.
Tips for minimizing distractions
As entrepreneurs, distractions tend to creep up on us from time to time. Common sources of distraction include smartphones, social media, the internet, emails, interruptions, background noise and multi-tasking. While it’s easy to get distracted, there are a few strategies you can implement to reduce exposure.
It may sound simple but creating a designated workspace is a sure way to reduce distractions. For entrepreneurs and digital nomads, the chances are that you are always on the go. Maybe you travel from country to country, staying in different accommodation types. Perhaps you work from home, with family or housemates present. In these scenarios, there are plenty of distractions around. That’s why it’s important to create a space free from distractions, clutter and interactions.
Another way to minimize distractions is by setting clear boundaries. Schedule time for social media and inform colleagues, friends and family of your working hours to avoid interruptions. Switch off notifications and put your phone away. If you are working in a shared space, noise canceling headphones are a great option. Taking regular breaks and getting your body moving is another way to increase productivity. Getting something to eat or taking a short walk will also help to refuel and regain your focus.
Techniques for maximizing productivity
The term productivity basically boils down to efficiency. Productivity is the amount of good and services produced compared to your input. Highly productive entrepreneurs are very good at prioritizing tasks and solving problems. They tend to plan the day ahead and are well organized.
If you’d like to increase productivity, take time to set some goals. Give yourself manageable daily goals and break all tasks down into smaller chunks. Taking regular breaks is also a great way to increase productivity as it will leave your mind feeling refreshed and ready to go.
Small business owners and entrepreneurs often work themselves a bit too hard which in turn reduces productivity. In order to avoid burnout, it’s important that you slow down and listen to your body. Give yourself more time off and try to sleep slightly earlier. Don’t be afraid to say no to new projects and allow yourself to have some fun. Not only will this improve productivity but it will also work wonders for your physical and mental health.
Conclusion
When you’re first starting out as an entrepreneur, time management and productivity are essential to building a successful business. Small businesses who demonstrate good time management and productivity are more likely to get the job done effectively and efficiently. Good time management reduces stress, improves your ability to solve problems and boosts overall performance.
Prioritizing tasks and producing projects on time will inevitably build your reputation with clients and your audience. If you find that you are always struggling to meet deadlines, now is the time to do something about it. Start by trying some of the strategies and techniques listed above or enroll in the Wanderlover Business Academy where you can connect with like-minded creatives and coaches and ask questions tailored to your business needs! Not only will good time management enhance your business but it will also improve your overall well being and leave you with more time to travel, explore, and adventure!
Resources
How to Ruthlessly Prioritize Tasks to Get More Done (zapier.com)
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