Time Management

We all have the same number of hours in a day, but it seems that some people have a time management gene that allows them to get more done. They say if you want something done ask a busy person to do it. These genetic-seeming traits can be learned. You simply need to build the habits and practice them on a daily basis.

Follow these simple, time-honored principals and you will soon be as organized as the best of them:

• Your schedule should be based on your goals. If you set a goal of doing 300 home inspections this year, but only schedule yourself to work 100 days, it’s highly unlikely to happen. Be realistic.
• Have an exact schedule to follow.
• Limit the time that you work. This seems counter-intuitive, but if you have a limited time, you will be far more productive in the time you have.
• Work when you are at work. Be at home when you are at home.
• Your business is a REAL JOB and should be treated as such.
• Make sure anyone involved in your business is aware of your schedule and helps to make you stick to it.
• If you need it, keep an actual diary for 2 weeks and see where your time is being wasted. You can be sure it is.
• The time you set aside for Business Building Activities (BBA) should be sacrosanct. Completely untouchable. This is the time that will make you achieve your goals.
• You are in charge of your business, and you became self-employed for a reason. Be flexible with the things that are important to you (family, health), but don’t let small things distract you from the task at hand.
• If you are clear about your goals, your schedule will make sense to help you achieve them.
• Create a real schedule for yourself, with reasonable working hours. If you work yourself into the ground with an unreasonable schedule, you will not be happy with anything.

The better you stick to the schedule you make for yourself, the faster it will become a habit.

Use these suggestions to help you make a schedule and then stick to it. Your family, friends and business will Thank you for it!