Let’s face it. Entrepreneurs are busy. Some of us even make being busy a way of life until we get to a point of feeling overwhelmed or exhausted. Whether you are at your breaking point or simply want to create more focus, there are ways you can make sure that you are using your time and energy effectively.
One of the exercises I use with my clients is to evaluate the value of the things that keep them busy. You can try it with the three steps below.
1. List the things you spend time on. Include meetings, classes, calls, social media, admin. etc.,
2. Rate each item on it’s level of effectiveness for moving you closer to goals. (Use a scale of 1-10, with 1= not at all and 10 = absolutely.)
3. Evaluate the results for things to delegate, let go of, or habits you want to change.
Another way of bringing clarity and focus to how you want to spend your days is to use the Quadrants Method created by Steven Covey and featured in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Rate the things that are calling for your attention in 4 categories.
- Urgent
- Not Urgent
- Important
- Not Important
Start with the ones that are both urgent and important. Avoid the ones that aren’t urgent or important.
Being busy does not equal being effective and can cause a lot of unnecessary stress. Take advantage of these tools to make sure that you are spending your time on the things that really matter and will lead you to success.
If you would like additional help, consider hiring a professional coach. I have the training and experience to help you through challenges so that you can get where you want to be. Contact Linda
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This is a great exercise to figure out the best use of time and what really matters!!
Linda, I really love how you explain prioritising, very practical and logical… and HELPFUL, thanks so much 🙂
Thanks. It really can be simple. And, smart.
Good idea, I copied the chart. I will look it over and see what I do.
There are so many times when I allow envy thing else to guide what I do instead of being intentional. Thanks for the reminder.
Linda,
These are such great tools! Hey, I’m a coach too, but I can relate to the being busy bit and feeling overwhelmed. (Sometimes, I have to be my own best coach, *giggles*). I remember using the quadrant bit in my corp. days. I like the time tracking method you mention too. Maybe I need to do this? Heehee! Thanks for sharing 🙂