3 Strategies to Help You Create More Time

Time - we get ourselves in a bit of a twist about it, don't we?!  Most of us feel like there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to do what we need to do.  From our businesses, to work, to our children, to managing our households, somehow fitting in time for family and friends, and maybe even a little self-care somewhere towards the end of the list.  

Time is a finite resource, but feeling like we don't have enough time can also be a self-limiting belief.

Are you frustrated by the number of incomplete activities and mental tabs that you have open?

Are you a slave to your to-do list?  Do you wish you had the time to take a step back and work more strategically on your business rather than in your business? 

 Last week I delivered a live training session in my free community for women in business, The Collective, with “3 Strategies to Help You Create More Time” (and do more of the things you love), and I share them with you here.

Strategy 1: Look at Where You are Expending Your Energy

Carry out an Energy Audit: draw a table with 2 columns labeled “radiators” and “drains” and then list all of the people you spend time with (either physically or virtually), those with who you are regularly in contact, and also the activities you carry out day to day and week by week.

Review your list – who, and what is draining you of energy?  Who radiates energy and fills up your cup every time you see them?  What activities leave you buzzing and full of renewed motivation?  Make a note of each in their appropriate column.

Consider: What action would you need to take to either move people or activities into the “radiators” section, or to spend less time with or on them altogether?

Strategy 2 - Look at Where You are Wasting Your Time

 Spend a week developing an awareness of what you spend your time doing (either keep a log of your activities and the time spent on them or make a mental note).  

For example, do you take an hour to get ready in the morning?  Are you staring blankly at a PC or phone screen, scrolling idly through social media, or sitting in front of the TV not really present to what you are watching?  Do you open your email and then find yourself 15 minutes later lost in reading and deleting?  Begin to develop a conscious awareness of how you are spending your time.

What activities could you delegate?  Could you get a VA?  Could you get a cleaner?  Could you get your husband to do it?!

 Plan and prepare ahead for your activities so that you can begin them at the allotted time right away.  For example, if you have set aside time for a specific task, decide what you want to achieve in the time you have available and review this at the end; get your gym clothes or bag ready in advance; plan what you’re wearing the next day the night before, so that you don’t waste time staring blankly at your wardrobe in the morning.

Strategy 3 - Look at Where You Can Re-Purpose Gaps of Dead Time

Once you have reviewed your week, you are likely to identify pockets of dead time, for example driving, whilst showering, when getting ready in the morning, dropping your kids to clubs.  Think about how you might usefully use this time - can you listen to an audiobook in the car, or whilst walking?  Can you play your emails to you in the morning rather than read them?  Can you use your shower time for letting your mind creatively wander? 

So there we have it, three strategies to help you to create time and do more of what you love.  When we see time as something that we can manipulate to our advantage, we can feel like we are in control of our time, rather than constantly chasing it.

Vicki Messenger helps empower aspiring and early-stage female founders to confidently create, launch and grow purpose-driven businesses in harmony with their ideal lifestyles.  You can find out more about how Vicki can support you, along with further articles and heaps of complimentary resources at: www.vickimessenger.com.

You can also find heaps of insight and inspiration by grabbing a FREE copy of her e-book: ‘“What I wish I knew…” - Pearls of Wisdom from 10 Incredible Women in Business’ right here.

And, why not join our growing community for women in business: The Collective. You’ll gain access to daily tips, tools, inspiration, and mindset matters, as well as weekly live trainings and quarterly guest interviews. Find us here.