Daily Rhythm: Routines and Time Management

Do you often get to the end of the day and feel like you just put out fires or chased your tail all day to keep up? You are not alone! Perhaps the day ends, and you realize that you never posted on social media, did not create that flyer for the sale next week, and/or haven't looked at the applications you received from potential new employees. Small business owners and leaders of non-profits are often doing it all, feel overwhelmed, and quite frankly, cannot get to it all.

Here are some steps to improve your routine and time management.

First, make an ideal plan for the next week on each Friday (or on Sunday if that works for you). Create your list of to-dos and assign them to the days. Acquire a journal/calendar where you can make your lists. That journal/calendar will be your new best friend. You could list goals and accomplishments for work AND your personal life (like running that half marathon you keep saying you want to do.)

Second, work the plan by making an appointment with yourself each day (put it in your calendar) and set a timer to get the work done. By setting a timer, you ensure that you spend the time on your goal, and then take care of other things as needed when the time is up. You can plan your appointment for a time that works for you on each day, but make sure to keep the appointment. If needed, let your staff know that this is your "timer time" and perhaps put a sign on your door that says "I'll be free in one hour" for example.

Third, if you don't get the work done by the time the timer goes off, that's ok! Often you'll think through it overnight and it's a quick task for you the next day. If it is a task that a staff member can handle, let them take care of it.

Fourth, breathe and make time for yourself.  Work will be there waiting, but constant stress and lack of personal time is sure to burn you out and possibly create health problems for you.

Finally, contact us! At imPRess, we take the load off of you so that you feel assured that your PR/Marketing/Communications needs are taken care of each day. We will work within your budget and take your business/organization to the next level!

Susan O'Brien, Owner of imPRess, LLC