How to Reclaim Your Time and Achieve Productivity

There are 1,440 minutes in a day. As a business owner it often feels like those minutes are spent running around trying to get as many things done as possible. You may be trying to do more to grow your business before even having what you are currently dealing with under control. We often forget things that need to get done, and sometimes end the day feeling like we didn't really accomplish much. What many people don’t realize is that trying to get too many things done in a short time may actually damage your performance and output. These are the best tips for achieving peak productivity and taking back control of your day. 

Reclaim Your Time

As an entrepreneur, you may often feel like you are being pulled in a hundred different directions. Maybe you spend your mornings running around and often forget a crucial step in your day. These things can be easily avoided by planning out your day. It doesn’t have to be meticulous, but it should be more than just thinking about what you have to do. 

A good place to start is to wake up ten minutes earlier than usual or find a time during the beginning of your day when you can sit and have a clear mind (during breakfast, before checking emails, etc.) During this time write down the things you hope to get done in the day and in what order they should be finished, as well as an estimate of the time it should take you to do. Your list should be intentional, but not too structured, the last thing you’d want to do is overstress yourself. Regularly check back on this list and cross things off when you have finished.

By planning out your day, you are less likely to fall into bad habits. This happens because you are now giving each task in your day meaning and that makes you less likely to waste time on social media, online shopping, games, etc. No one wants to write down that they spent hours on their phone! This will help you to stay on track and not get distracted. It may seem so simple but writing down what needs to be done and checking off completed tasks can really help to make you feel fulfilled not only in the day, but in your career. Keeping a list also ensures that your priorities are tended to so you don’t forget to do any important or urgent tasks. 

Set Boundaries

There are many different kinds of workplace environments that can affect employee behavior. Whatever the work setting may be, do not allow yourself to be spread too thin. The team around you should consist of skilled and capable people. Many people may ask you to stop what you are doing and take a look at a project of theirs, check something over, or help them finish a task. It is okay to say no when you have too much on your plate. The same applies to friends and family. While it is always great to lend a helping hand, people who rely on your helpfulness will always find themselves coming back for more. Remind yourself that it is not your responsibility to take on other people’s work. Be sure that if you are going to stop what you are doing to assist others that you have completed your tasks or have the time for it in your day. This ensures you gain back control of your time, energy, and peace.

Make Time for Business & Pleasure

Being an entrepreneur requires commitment and dedication. It is truly hard work to build a business from scratch and watch it really grow and succeed. While being dedicated is important, being realistic is too. Anyone who spends all day every day working is not going to have a good quality of life, even with the most successful business. Studies show that close to a million Americans are dying every year from heart conditions and strokes due to stress from overworking. These numbers will continue to rise unless there is a change in our culture. In America, it is so common for people to “live to work”. The toll this is taking on us is not worth it. 

Being more productive in the workplace can mean that you may not have to work as much, since you can get more done in a shorter time. Make sure to separate your business and free time. Spend your time off doing what you enjoy and destress. You will see a big change in your mood and efficiency when you do work since you have had the necessary time to recuperate.

Perfect Your Morning

Your morning routine sets the tone for the day. Having optimal time in the morning results in increased productivity. It also helps to reduce stress and focus better. By getting up early and giving yourself time to wake up and plan the day, you regain control of your schedule, instead of allowing your schedule to control you.

Break Up Your Responsibilities

Now that you’re up early and your day is planned, it’s time to be productive. Having all your responsibilities listed should be a huge destresser and now you know you can take your time doing the things that need to get done. Commonly, added stress comes from having large or boring responsibilities. It is crucial that you try your best to make them fun and keep yourself entertained. If a task is bringing your energy down, it is okay to take a break and try something else for a while. It is also a good idea to go grab yourself a coffee or go for a short walk to decompress. Remind yourself how happy you will be once the task is completed.

Running a business is hard enough. There is always anxiety and stress about whether you are moving in the right direction, hitting targeted numbers, competition, and a million more aspects. The stress doesn’t go away, it can just be controlled. Using these tips can help to ensure your business continues to move in the right direction, and that you do so in the most efficient way possible.