I am applying the first of these time management tips right now. You see, there was a time when I tended to do all the "busy work" in the morning, while putting off the important things. I might have gotten to the important stuff later in the afternoon, or maybe not. Now, I get up and I write an article, because this is what is most important for my business right now. I do it whether I feel like it or not.

The result is that I often fell like I have gotten a good days work in before noon. I fact, I find that the business does well even if I take afternoons off so my wife and I can go for a drive in the mountains - as long as I do the important things first. There also doesn't seem to be nearly as much "busy work" that needs to be done once the important things are out of the way.

Spend some time to decide which things on your "to do" list are most important. If they are longer projects, break them into smaller pieces, and attack one of those smaller pieces as your first work of the day every day. Important things first - not a new idea, but still a valuable time management tip.

Time Management Tip - Planning

Spend just the right amount of time planning. This is a tough one. How do you know if you are spending too much time planning, and so wasting time? How do you know if you are not doing enough planning, and so working inefficiently? I have a partial solution to this problem.

First of all, most of us fall into one of two categories. There are those of us, like myself, that like to plan. I can spend the day making lists, looking at calendars, and dreaming up new strategies to try in the business. Then there are those who don't like to plan. They are always forgetting to do things that should be on their "to do" lists, because they don't have such a list.

Both types have their time management problems, but here is my simple solution: If you are of the first type, assume you are spending too much time planning, and start working more directly. If you are of the second type, you almost certainly can be more productive in less time if you plan more. Sit down in the evening and make a plan for tomorrow.

Time Management Tip - Get Up Early

As one who didn't use to get up early, I can tell you that I am amazed at the difference it makes. It may seem that if you sleep the same number of hours, it shouldn't matter when you sleep. It does matter (at least it has for me). Is it the quietness of the morning that allows for more and better work? Is it that there are more and more distractions as the day progresses?

I don't know. I just know that now that I get up early, there seems to be so much time to do things. If you aren't an early riser, why not try it for a week or two? Try the other two time management tips above as well. Time managed well means more time for whatever you want to do. In my case, since this is my second article of the day, I think it's time for a drive in the mountains.