Time management is the secret ingredient to a successful business and a more balanced life. As a mother of two and a small business owner myself, I know how overwhelming it feels to juggle everything—work, family, and the endless to-do lists. Yet, I’ve found with the right approach to time management, it’s possible to stay organized, meet your goals, and even enjoy a few moments for yourself.
In this article, I’ll share simple, actionable tips to help you take control of your time, and set yourself up for a productive year. While also feeling confident as you grow your business. Let’s dive in!
Start with Your Priorities
As we step into the new year, it’s essential to start by identifying your top priorities. Whether it’s launching a new product, increasing your client base, or simply organizing your workspace, Knowing what matters most helps you focus your energy. For me, setting priorities begins with a simple list. I write down everything on my mind, then circle the top three items, These are the items that will have the most impact on my business and family.
When you’re clear on your goals, you can plan your time around them. This reduces distractions. While also ensuring your time is spent on activities that bring the best results.
Plan Your Day the Night Before
Planning is where the magic happens. Every evening, I carve out ten minutes to plan the next day. This simple habit allows me to wake up with a clear roadmap of what needs to get done.
I break my tasks into chunks of time, focusing on one task at a time. For example, mornings are often when I’m most energized, so I dedicate that time to important business tasks. These range from creating content, conducting live training, or engaging with clients. By setting aside blocks of time. I stay productive without feeling overwhelmed.
Delegate and Say No More Often
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that I don’t have to do everything myself. As a mom, I know how tempting it is to take on every responsibility. But in business, trying to do it all leads to burnout.
Delegating is a powerful tool for time management. Hand off tasks someone else can do. Like scheduling social media posts or managing emails. For example, I work with a virtual assistant who helps me with administrative tasks. This gives me more time to focus on strategy and creativity.
Just as importantly, learn to say no. Not every opportunity or request deserves your time. Protecting your schedule is key to staying focused and achieving your goals.
Leverage Technology for Time Management
We’re lucky to live in a time where technology can make life easier. There are countless tools designed to help with time management. For instance, I use Trello to track my to-do lists and deadlines. We use Slack with our team members to keep everyone up-to-date. These apps keep everything organized in one place, saving me hours of back-and-forth communication.
For social media management, automation tools are a game-changer. Scheduling posts in advance allows me to maintain an online presence without being glued to my phone. These small adjustments free up precious time. In return, I can spend with my family. Or exploring my kids’ latest hobbies—like supporting my son’s hockey team or attending my daughter’s orchestra concerts.
Make Time for Self-Care
Running a business and caring for a family is rewarding, but it’s also demanding. I’ve learned that taking care of myself is just as important as taking care of everything else. When I prioritize self-care, I have more energy and focus for my business and family.
For me, self-care looks like going to the gym first thing in the morning. Or taking my dog for a walk in the evening. I also carve out time for journaling. Also, I make sure I simply sit and enjoy a cup of coffee without interruptions. These moments help me recharge, so I can tackle my day with clarity and motivation.
Reflect and Adjust Weekly
Time management isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing process. Therefore, at the end of each week, I take a few minutes to reflect. What worked well? What didn’t?
This small practice helps me identify areas for improvement and celebrate wins. For example, if I notice that mornings are consistently productive, I’ll try to keep that momentum going. If afternoons feel sluggish, I might shift lighter tasks to that time. The key is staying flexible and open to change.
Embrace Progress Over Perfection
Finally, remember time management is about progress, not perfection. It’s okay to have off days or feel like you didn’t accomplish everything. Celebrate the wins—big or small—and keep moving forward.
This year, let’s work smarter, not harder. So we can enjoy the fruits of our labor and the moments that matter most.
If you have questions or need support with improving your time management, then I invite you to schedule a free strategy call with me. Click here to schedule now.
PS: I’d love to have you join me over in the Women’s Business Resource Community and become my Neighbher.
