Christina Metcalf
Oct 20, 2024
If you ask anyone over the age of 20 what the date is, after telling you, they'll probably mention how quickly time flies. It often seems like only yesterday something significant happened. This feeling is especially true when you own a business—there never seems to be enough time to do everything. Just as you pay one bill, another one is due.
Making the most of your time is essential for business success. But how do you beat the clock when you're responsible for the entire business? How do you ensure you have time to be your most effective?
The first answer to this question is delegation, of course. You can’t do “all the things,” but assuming you have a solid team to rely on, here are four management focus and productivity tips to help you regain control over your lost time.
1. Define a "Win"
Instead of getting bogged down in daily tasks, define what progress looks like for the week by listing 3-5 key goals. Create a “Weekly Win” card (on paper or digitally—whatever you'll actually use) to keep you focused on the most meaningful accomplishments for that week.
Be specific about what makes it a “win.” For instance, if your goal is to find a new vendor, don’t focus on how many calls you need to make. Focus on the outcome, such as “Secure a caterer by the end of the week with a 2% cost savings over the previous one.”
2. Maintain Energy Awareness
Burnout often stems from energy-draining activities. Track your energy levels throughout the day (or even better, the week) and compare them to your calendar. What were you doing when you felt most energized? What activities drained your energy?
Use this information to eliminate or delegate energy-draining tasks. Assign them to someone who thrives on those types of activities. (For example, introverts and extroverts might be energized or drained by different tasks.) If you must complete them yourself, try modifying them to be less draining, or sandwich them between tasks that invigorate you.
3. Use a Daily Management Sprint
Set aside 30-60 minutes late in the day to tackle low-value administrative tasks—or better yet, use AI tools to handle them. Administrative tasks don’t usually require much mental effort, so saving them for the end of the day can make you more efficient. Reserve your mental energy for heavier, more complex tasks earlier in the day.
4. Invest in a Vision
Dedicate 30 minutes daily to activities that build a better future, like reading, learning a new skill, or working on a long-term project. You can easily fit this into your morning coffee break or lunch. Consistent effort in these areas will help you make significant progress toward your professional vision over time.
These four simple management tasks can help you make better use of your time and boost productivity. At first glance, they may seem basic—but that’s exactly why they work. They allow us to stay present, focus on key goals, and eliminate the tasks that clog up productivity and weigh us down.