Time Management 11-21-09

So I was doing some research on time management for an article i was writing this morning and I found some tips that can make your home business take off like never before. I really used to struggle with how to manage my time but have found a few things that have helped me through owning my business and working from home.
The first thing I have discovered is there really is no such thing as time management. There is, and always will be 24 hours in a day. You CAN'T control it, you MUST be aware of it. The thing you have to strive for is managing yourself in the time you have to work with.
Where are you wasting your time? Think very hard about this and really see what you do throughout the day. I want you to take a full day and carry around a small notepad and jot down everything you do all day long, especially times where you are unproductive and slacking off. This can be hard because everyone waste time without realizing it. Personally i struggle with having a t.v. or radio on when i work. I work from home and it can be difficult separating your work and social life when it all takes place in the same house.
Once you have your notes full of your daily activities, choose a few items on the list to eliminate or push aside until your work is done. For a week, try not taking non work-related phone calls while you work. Set goals for yourself that you will implement throughout your day. Remember that you arent changing time, you are changing yourself and your habits. Do one thing at a time, not two or three.

To do two things at once is to do neither. -Publius Syrus
Your goals should be attainable, make sure you give yourself enough time to accomplish what needs to get done. When you can manage yourself, you will be more efficient at what you do. If you set one hour to check your emails and make business calls, get it done and if you have ten minutes left, reward yourself with a small break to do whatever you like. Make sure you get back in the saddle and straight back to your work.
If you have a limited amount of time to do several things, don't get overwhelmed. Take the first half hour of you day to make a list of everything you need to do for the day. Prioritize Prioritize Prioritize! Look at your list and plan out the most important things earlier on your day. If they are difficult tasks, or you dont like to do these things, then spread them out so you dont get worn down. Use a day manager on your computer or something as simple as an egg timer to make sure your stick to your schedule and dont have to keep checking the clock.
Another key thing, especially for those of you running a business, is dont be a one man show. There is no reason to do everything for yourself. Try having an assistant to handle the small things so you can focus on the important things. If there is the ability to outsource, DO IT! You will get so tired of handling everything yourself and doubt will creep up on your and steal the success right from your hands.
The Final piece of advice I have for you is make sure your computer/files are organized. There is no excuse for wasting time while looking for things. It may take a whole day to organize your computer and workspace but the payoff will be much greater.
While I am no expert on this issue, i have done the research and been right in your shoes. I run a marketing business on the internet from home and all f these things have brought me the success i now have. Implement these tips to your business and watch it grow.
My Business http://www.oneyearplan.net/gbcrocker