7 steps to taking control of your time

7 steps to taking control of your time
One of the biggest obstacles to business success is
allowing yourself to feel at the mercy of time.

It's too easy to say "I don't have time" but you choose how
to spend your time and you can spend it wisely or badly.

Here are 7 ways in which you can take control of your time.

1. Stop inputting and start outputting

It's easy to be busy taking in new information and ideas
but it's only taking action on them that gets results. If
you're inputting information, you're not outputting real
work and making money. If you're an info junkie, perhaps
you need to go on an info diet.

2. Always remember why you are doing it

If you have set a clear vision for your business and
distinct milestones on your way to achieving it, you'll
find it much easier to manage your time.

If you are spending time on something that doesn't
contribute towards getting your goals, you have to
challenge yourself about why you are doing it.

3. Plan your day and stick to your plan

A minute spent planning can easily save you an hour later
on. You should set aside particular times every day, week
and month for planning. During this time, reflect on past
achievements and future goals.

The best way to schedule is to split large tasks into
smaller steps. It feels wonderful when you are able to tick
it off at the end of the day and works as a great motivator.

4. Prioritize your time

Prioritization is figuring out which tasks are most
important at a particular time and focus your attention,
time and energy on them.

This means recognizing the difference between 'important'
tasks (those that help us achieve our goals) and 'urgent'
ones (which demand immediate attention but may not be
related to our goals). Another important distinction is
recognizing the difference between 'productive' time (which
generates income) and 'unproductive' time (which makes no
money).

5. Say No ' to yourself as well as to others

The truth is, no matter how efficient you are, you can't do
everything. So, one of the most useful things you can do is
go through your 'to-do' list and decide what you don't
really need to do.

The management guru Peter Drucker said: "There is nothing
so useless as doing efficiently something which shouldn't
be done at all." Before you get into doing the things on
your to-do list, consider whether they'd be better on your
'not-to-do' list.

Learning to say no is a vital time management skill. People
much prefer to be told 'no' right away, rather than being
let down later.

6. Develop systems and processes

If you have your work organized into clear processes, it
makes it much easier to delegate. And, even if you're doing
the work yourself, writing down the steps involved helps
you use your time more efficiently. Productivity expert
William Edwards Denning said: "If you can't describe what
you're doing as a process, you don't know what you're
doing."

7. Take care of yourself

If you are going to get things done and also to enjoy the
lifestyle you want, you have to allocate time to doing
things that you enjoy and taking care of yourself
physically. Eat well, drink water, get plenty of sleep,
relax, and take time off.

If you have your own business and can't enjoy a great
lifestyle, then it's probably better to get a job.

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Robert Greenshields is a marketing success coach who helps
business owners and independent professionals who are
frustrated that they're working too many hours for too
little reward. Sign up for his free tips on earning more
and working less at http://www.MindPowerMarketing.com