4 Time Management Tactics for Active Entrepreneurs

By

Theodore Henderson

The Wisdom Man

“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.”
William Penn

Being a successful entrepreneur pulls together many professional and personal traits. It takes a lot of energy and creativity to launch, execute, grow, and scale a business. As a result, entrepreneurs have to scrutinize every decision carefully and develop the invaluable skill of excellent time management. Here are four of my core time management tactics that entrepreneurs with busy calendars can employ to get more done.  

Break Down Activities Into Simple Steps

It requires a lot more energy to clutter your mind with the challenges in front of you, but this is something that can be easily avoided if you can simplify your challenges. Bettering your time management skills will require you to create a process and then break it down or as I like to say “chunk it down” into smaller, more manageable, automatic steps that are grasped quickly and that don’t require intensive utilization of your mental resources.

Successful entrepreneurs clearly understand they need to take the time to break complex tasks down into smaller pieces, thereby making the process easier to comprehend and follow.    For example, businessballs.com has a post that lays out this type of strategy very well. 

Create  Prioritization System

Priorities differ from according to the type of business and are generally shaped around deadlines, the priority of execution, ROI, and reach. Learning how to prioritize both your long-term and the short terms goals that are necessary for you to achieve small wins is critical and requires you to plan your tasks appropriately.

Don’t forget everything is not important so don’t fall for the “everything is important” paradox. 

Click Here for the the Free Report “5 Productivity Secrets For Entrepreneurs”

Start with a Simple Task

The quickest way to become demotivated and get down on yourself is by failing to complete a complicated and broad task for the day and will prevent you from achieving real progress with your weekly planning. The best way to ick things off is by starting your day working with a small achievable task that will give you a running start. Kicking off your day with a routine job will put your productivity in motion and permit you to focus on more complex projects a bit later.  

This is a great strategy unless you are like me and ‘eat the frog’ first thing!  Otherwise known as doing the hardest thing first and getting it out of the way. 

Create a Long-Term Map

Planning is a continual task that can take you away from your day-to-day activities. Creating a long-term plan allows you to decide better whether new tasks that come up are in line with your objectives. When you can outline the duties that are key to your success, you can determine the expected outcomes and measure them at regular intervals (weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.). Preparing a long-term plan will also provide you a clearer picture of your weekly availability. 

Never focus solely on short term planning unless it is in sync and supports your long term plan.

Here is a bonus tip that you may find useful.  No matter how effective your time management system, it will never work if you procrastinate.  Check out a previous article on identifying and avoiding procrastination.  

No matter how competent your strategy for managing your time is, there is always room for improvement. With these four, time management tactics, and the bonus procrastination tip, you can improve your productivity and accomplish more throughout your day.

Click Here for the the Free Report “5 Productivity Secrets For Entrepreneurs”

About The Author

Theodore Henderson works with business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate professionals. He is an Amazon best-selling author, a Certified Career Coach, a Certified Leadership Coach, and a Certified Social Media Security Professional Powered by CompTIA. In addition he is the author of the business program “Launching Your Great Business Idea,” as well as the author of the following books; “The Wisdom Compass: Your 31-Day Journey to Wisdom-Filled Living”, “9 Simple Strategies to Becoming a Strong Leader” and the Security eBook “30 Smart Ways to Protect Yourself from Cyber Criminals” aimed at owners of Smartphones, Mobile Devices, and also those who have significant online activities including Social Media, financial services, etc. He is available for keynotes, seminars, and workshops. He may be reached through www.TheodoreHenderson.com.