There always seems to be dozens of tabs open in this little head of mine! I try to get as much done every day as I possibly can, but some days, all I want to do is drink champagne in hopes that the piles of client files and blog posts to edit on my desk will magically be done!
So, how exactly do you manage your time like a Girl BOSS?!
1. Embrace the 5-Minute Rule
If it can be done in five minutes or less, get it off your list! A simple email, a phone call to make reservations, book appointments, etc. Any items you have to get done that requires little time should be the things you check off your list first. For items that require more attention and more time, schedule it into your calendar and block that time off to get it done.
Try scheduling your grocery shopping for half hour and then leave as soon as you are done and move on to your next task. I love grocery shopping and tend to spend a lot of time there! When I go with hubby, that’s never the case as he wants to be out of there as quick as possible! The way you prioritize and manage the minutes in your day will allow you to enjoy time at the end of your day to yourself and to do the things you WANT to do.
2. Avoid Multi-Tasking Like The Plague
OK – Let me tell you….I’m the Queen of Multitasking! And I was for several years until I realized I wasn’t getting as much as I wanted done in a given day. Don’t get me wrong, for some things, you can multitask away and the results are effective. For other things, you want to take time out to focus on just one project at a time.
For example, as a Realtor, I am constantly on MLS looking at properties for my clients. I can stay on MLS for hours just browsing and working on multiple client files at a time. But over the last few years, I have scheduled my client research files into my planner and only focus on one client at a time. The results were that I was able to achieve more with one client, rather than working on multiple clients at a time. And in real estate, it is so easy to multitask as you may have several clients who are looking for the same type of properties at any given time.
So, even though being a Queen a Multitasking, it sometimes is more effective to focus on one item at a time and give it your full attention.
3. Develop A System & Stick To It
Make a schedule and stick to it. Once you have a system in place, getting things done will come naturally and that system you’ve mastered allows you to free up your time to do the things you really want to do.
When I first wake up, I like to look at my schedule and see what I have going on for the day. If I have a lot of errands to run, I dress accordingly. If I am meeting clients, I like to spend more time on my wardrobe. Hey! I’m a girl – we do these things! I check my schedule and the real estate market’s new listings and news before I start my day. Even though I work from home, I like to be dressed and out of my home by no later than 9am if I have a busy day meeting with clients and colleagues. By getting into this routine, I won’t feel like staying at home all day in my comfy pajamas and letting the day go to waste. There are certain days where I won’t have any scheduled meetings or clients to see, and on these days, I still get dressed and start my day – at home. I feel more energized and motivated to do things when I am all dressed rather than staying in my pajamas and trying to write something serious. Some people can do it – I just can’t! Pick certain days where you would do certain tasks. I like to do my real estate marketing on Thursdays and I like to work on my blog on Sundays. However, on Sundays, I don’t mind working in my pajamas!
4. Schedule Your Calendar Like A To-Do List
Out of the million and one things you have to do each day, how do you keep track of it? Do you make lists or do you keep a planner? I have both, but my planner is my main source for keeping track of things. Some planners have each day set up in a bullet point format. I find this to be very effective with listing everything you have to accomplish in your day or work week.
I like to plan my weeks in advance. On Sundays, I usually write in all of the things I have to do into my calendar in a to-do list format. I list all of the items each day and cross them off as I get them done. Having a list can be effective, but it can also be overwhelming in a sense that you look at the list and you have a mini heart attack! When you break your to-do list down over a week or a few days, it’s easier to accept that you have things to do – that’s just my perspective on it! Then, when I have clients and meetings, I add them into my already set schedule.
There isn’t one way to manage your time because everyone has a different way of working and not everything works for everyone. Find what works for you. It took me years to find a method of organizing my time that works best for me. Now that I have had practice for some time, it comes naturally to do these things that help me manage my time…Like A Boss ;)