Ever noticed how anyone over 20 will tell you how fast time flies after they give you today’s date? It feels like just yesterday it was [insert memory here]! If you own a business, you know this feeling all too well. There’s never enough time, and it seems like as soon as you handle one task, another one pops up.
Making the most of your time is crucial to running a successful business. But how do you manage it all? When you’re responsible for everything, how do you make sure you’re staying effective?
The first step is delegation, of course. You can’t do it all, but if you have a reliable team, here are four management tips to help you reclaim your time and focus.
1. Define a “Win”
Don’t get caught up in just completing daily tasks—focus on progress. At the start of each week, pick 3-5 key goals that would make the week a success. Create a “Weekly Win” card, whether on paper or digitally, to keep you focused on those major accomplishments.
Be specific about what success looks like. For example, instead of focusing on the number of calls to potential vendors, focus on securing a new caterer by the end of the week with a 2% cost savings over the previous one.
2. Pay Attention to Your Energy Levels
Burnout often comes from energy-draining activities. Take note of when you feel most energized during the day and what tasks drain you. Compare this with your calendar: What were you working on when you felt at your best? What left you feeling exhausted?
Use this information to delegate tasks that drain you to someone who actually enjoys them. If that’s not an option, try to adjust how you approach these tasks or sandwich them between activities that energize you.
3. Use a Daily “Management Sprint”
Set aside 30-60 minutes at the end of your day to handle low-value admin tasks—or, even better, use AI tools to take care of them for you. Since admin work doesn’t usually require deep mental energy, tackling it later in the day can free up your mornings for more demanding work.
4. Invest in Your Vision
Spend 30 minutes a day on something that builds toward your future, like learning a new skill, reading, or working on a passion project. It’s easy to do this over your morning coffee or lunch. Consistent effort in this area can lead to major progress toward your long-term goals.
These four simple strategies can help you manage your time better and boost productivity. They may seem basic, but that’s what makes them effective. They help you stay focused, clear the clutter, and make progress toward what truly matters.