How can you get an extra hour out of each day? This is a basic challenge for all of us. I’ve discussed this challenge with action- and results-oriented people I know. Together, we’ve come up with many practical ways to secure one more precious hour each day. (Remember that each of these tips is probably adaptable to your particular situation.) Here they are. I hope you’ll find them helpful and useful to you…
- Make up and follow a detailed, daily schedule.
- Get up earlier.
- Do less passive reading, TV watching, and the like.
- Avoid allowing others to waste your time.
- If you commute to work, use the time to study or plan.
- Organize your work; do it systematically.
- Make creative use of lunchtime.
- Delegate authority if possible.
- Spend less time on unimportant phone calls.
- Think first; then do the job.
- Do instead of dream.
- Work hardest when you’re most mentally alert.
- Eliminate activities that make little contribution to the best results for your life.
- Always do the toughest job first.
- Before each major act, ask: Is this really necessary?
- Choose interesting and constructive literature for spare-moment reading.
- Learn how to sleep. Sleep soundly, then work refreshed.
- Skip desserts.
- Stop smoking.
- Write notes or letters while waiting for others.
- Always carry an envelope with paper in it, stamps, and a few postcards.
- Combine tasks that are done in the same area.
- Be prompt for all appointments.
- Lay out your clothes the night before.
- Relax. Ready yourself for the important jobs in life.
- Concentrate on the specific tasks you’re doing.
- Make constructive use of those five- or ten-minute waiting periods. Carry with you magazine article clippings on helpful subjects.
- Always carry a pencil and paper to capture important-to-you ideas.
- Learn to do other “unnecessary” things while watching TV or listening to the radio.
- Call on specialists to accomplish work you cannot do efficiently.
- Learn to read more rapidly.
- Nap an hour after dinner. Then take a shower. Begin the evening hours relaxed and refreshed.
- Avoid making a “production” out of small tasks.
- Avoid interruptions.
- Tackle only one job at a time.
- Know your limitations.
- Work to your top capacity.
There are some really great ideas here (brought to us by Dr. Whitt N. Schultz) – some of which you may already do. Time management is one of the most important skills to learn as a business owner. Don’t feel overwhelmed looking at this list. Pick one or two manageable things you can implement and grow from there.
