Entrepreneurs know managing time well is crucial to running a successful business.
But are you taking an unnecessarily rigid approach toward time management without even realizing it?
You might believe that time needs to be wrestled out of the calendar early in the morning and fought tooth and nail throughout the day.
But that’s not necessarily the best method for effectively managing one’s time.
In my work as a time management coach and productivity consultant, I regularly help clients reframe their beliefs toward time.
More often than not, people focus on what they can get, as in whether they can get an appointment, make a reservation, or schedule a meeting.
But there’s decidedly a lot more going on at the other end of your calendar. What about valuing that which you already have in your schedule? How about managing your time through gratitude and appreciation?
There’s a lot to be learned in your business when it comes to time management. These three approaches will help you soften your approach toward time in your business.
The more you can appreciate what you have, the more abundantly you’ll experience time on a daily basis.
Appreciate the completion of a scheduled item.
It’s not uncommon for entrepreneurs to rush to the next item on their calendar or to-do list.
But what is missed when we immediately jump to the next thing? It’s almost like going on a hike and not stopping at the scenic overlook in the name of simply finishing the hike.
The next time you complete a scheduled meeting with clients, convening with staff, or simply review time with yourself, pause and appreciate that moment. It’s a brief moment in time that will never be experienced again.
How can you appreciate what you just completed? Taking the time to appreciate your work can help set the stage for more focused and intentional work in the future.
Appreciate the stillness in a day.
We’re all familiar with the stillness of dawn and twilight that happens in nature. But stillness can also be viewed in your daily routine.
Busyness cannot exist without stillness; otherwise, how would we know first and foremost what busyness was?
Where in your day can you appreciate moments of stillness? These moments do exist: you just need to know where to look.
Consider the quietness of the office first thing in the morning. Or the unplanned break when someone cancels or reschedules a meeting at the last minute? How about when the last customer has left the restaurant after the lunch rush?
Whether you take a break to glance out your window, close out of your video call, or prepare a cup of coffee, remember, these are all moments of stillness that can be appreciated.
Appreciate a change in your routine.
Ever have one of those days when your schedule doesn’t go as planned?
While we may initially feel the sting of disappointment, frustration, or annoyance, this is a valuable moment in time. It’s a moment for you to appreciate what’s going right in your routine.
You have a schedule booked with appointments that are meaningful to you and your work. That’s something to be celebrated in and of itself. This is a moment in time to rest and reflect upon how you want things to unfold in future.
When things don’t go to plan, consider appreciating the course correction. Yes, things unfold as expected.
But there’s good news. Tomorrow, you can pick up where you left off with renewed vigor and interest. Every change in your routine provides you with a fresh new perspective.
Learn how to show gratitude for your schedule
Time management is an important skill that everyone should learn and practice if they want to be successful at work.
My time management guide can help you learn how to prioritize tasks, manage time in meetings, and arrive on time to appointments.
If you want me to help you manage your time at work and at home so you get things done and feel in control, then check out my time management coaching services. Book a strategy session with me today!
How about you? Which of these pointers are you going to appreciate in your work? Join the conversation and leave a comment below!
This article previously appeared on Inc.com.
0 Comments