9 Simple Time Management Solutions for Solopreneurs
Kevin Ocasio
9 Simple Time Management Solutions for Solopreneurs Welcome to this quick time management guide for solopreneurs! If you’ve been struggling to maximize your day ever since you started running your business on your own, you’re not alone. Let me guess: No matter how you try to make time for everything, it just doesn’t work. To-do things pile up and you simply feel helpless. While being your own boss is amazing, it can take a toll on your happiness, health, and well-being if you don’t master the art of time management. The fact of the matter is that time is a limited resource. You can’t wish for more hours to get things done. Instead, you ought to use the time you have more effectively. In this article, you’re going to learn 9 simple yet powerful time management solutions. These tips will help you complete more work with all the hours you’ve got for your business.
1. Set time limits Not every solopreneur takes advantage of a timer, thinking that it doesn’t really benefit one’s productivity. But it does. A timer may be a very simple tool but the fact that it adds a sense of urgency to any task makes it so effective. When you dedicate a specific time frame for something , you’re more compelled to get it done. Without a timer, most likely you’d be task switching – which is counterproductive.
9 Simple Time Management Solutions for Solopreneurs
9 Simple Time Management Solutions for Solopreneurs 2. Get more sleep To effectively manage your time, you must manage your energy. In other words, don’t work yourself to death! Ample rest infuses your body with more energy. Not only that, it boosts your work performance by increasing your level of focus. This removes the chances for you to commit errors which can cost you more time and money! A good night’s rest helps your body easily catch up with unfinished tasks the following day.
9 Simple Time Management Solutions for Solopreneurs
9 Simple Time Management Solutions for Solopreneurs Working over time and being sleep deprived can have a draining effect that can last for days. Now that’s harder to deal with.
3. Use the right tools I get that you need tools to streamline your workflows. However, not all tools are effective in speeding up your work. Put that in mind. Believe me, there are a lot of tools that promise outstanding results but you find difficult to use. Don’t force it. If you can’t maximize a tool because it’s complex, forget it. Stick to a tool that’s intuitive and does what it says it does. Find something that will help you save time and get the best value for your money. For example, when it comes to making my website beautiful, I use a professional theme from MyThemeShop. I find it easier than learning how to code.
4. Stop perfectionism One time I read Jeff Goins’ interesting article on getting things done. He mentions that a problem shared by creative people is their tendency to be perfectionists. They’re also dealing with an endless stream of distractions because of too many ideas. You may not realize it but perfectionism can be a big reason why you’re having time management problems.
9 Simple Time Management Solutions for Solopreneurs
9 Simple Time Management Solutions for Solopreneurs Here’s what Jeff Goins suggests: Just do it. Focus on getting stuff done. The sooner you get something done, the more time you’ll have to edit and improve your work.
5. Use a to-do list The lack of planning often leads to procrastination. As the old adage goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Planning clears the path for you. You have a vivid picture of how your day will go and this helps you avoid chasing other people’s goals. A great way to plan is to create a daily or weekly to-do list. If planning a weekly to-do list is too much for you, you can start by creating a simple list before your day starts. Make sure that you prioritize important tasks. These are tasks that impact your business for the long term.
6. Outsource to freelancers Sometimes we have to be really honest with ourselves that we need help. Solopreneurs are prone to experiencing burnout. Time is a precious commodity and you know that. Make better use of it by freeing yourself from menial, repetitive tasks. Focus on what you do best and outsource the rest! Find a dedicated team that you can outsource some tasks to. You can have a team comprised of a content writer, SEO, social media manager, and web developer.
9 Simple Time Management Solutions for Solopreneurs
9 Simple Time Management Solutions for Solopreneurs Here’s a helpful post by Chris Ducker on the tasks you can outsource.
7. Wake up earlier Being an early riser has never failed to improve one’s productivity. Just imagine how great it would be to start the day before everyone else does. Not only will you enjoy the peace of zero interruptions, you’ll also have time for a quick exercise. It takes willingness and commitment to be able to rise early every day. At first, this process can be daunting but eventually, you’ll get used to it. After all, the huge benefit of managing your time better is worth the sacrifice of starting the day earlier.
8. Just say NO If your plate is full, don’t be afraid to say no – unless another person’s request is really that urgent (or if you’re in a family emergency situation). Saying no is one time-management solution that only a few solopreneurs have mastered. Why? People are afraid to disappoint. Remember that saying no, when done nicely, won’t get you in trouble. Say no with conviction and others will learn to respect you for it. It’s your business that’s at stake here, so don’t allow yourself to get pushed around easily.
9. Take a break Anyone who wants to be a better employee or business owner will benefit from taking breaks.
9 Simple Time Management Solutions for Solopreneurs
9 Simple Time Management Solutions for Solopreneurs The human body operates differently. We’re not like batteries that run steadily until they die. A person’s energy level dwindles slowly by the time he starts working. Go ahead and take that afternoon nap or coffee. Get a breath of fresh air outside. Stretch your body! Doing so will keep you energized and regain your focus so you can stay on-task and finish earlier!
How Do You Manage Your Time? Solopreneurs will enjoy their days better and end their frustrations with these time-management tips. I want to know how well you manage your time and the challenges you face now. So leave a comment below!
9 Simple Time Management Solutions for Solopreneurs