You’re a self-employed professional. How can you make the most of your time?

In my personal experience, it's key to understand what are the projects/ activities you will be dedicating your time to. Otherwise, you might feel overwhelmed as there might be too much for you to do, and that always results in one of the two following scenarios: either you feel stressed and try to do it all at once (which never ends up well!) OR you feel like you don't know how to start, and you procrastinate. I always suggest to my clients that having a weekly and a monthly structure is the best way to go about it: - Your weekly structure will include everything that you need/ want to do every week. E.g., emailing a newsletter. - Your monthly (or even quarterly structure) includes different areas of focus. E.g. launch of a product.

If you are a human being and you accomplish your goals by working with other humans, my recommendation would be to prioritize reflection time. Before getting started each day, reflecting on which priorities require the most of your energy and designing your day accordingly. At the end of each week, reflecting on what well and why and where you are stalled and why. And thinking about a small step you can take to make progress to get unstuck. Often, what we learn through reflection is how to identify and own our contributions to situations we find ourselves in, how to better "flex" to meet people where they are, and how we want to show up to reduce friction in interpersonal interactions.

Time blocking is definitely crucial for me. I also recommend identifying tasks that can be delegated or outsourced to free up your time for high-value activities. Consider hiring virtual assistants or freelancers for tasks like administrative work, marketing, or content creation. Also, leverage technology tools and software to automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and enhance collaboration. Project management tools, communication platforms, and productivity apps can help you stay organized and efficient.

Set clear goals and prioritize tasks to maximize efficiency. Create a daily or weekly schedule outlining specific objectives and deadlines. Breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks can help you stay organized and focused.

Leverage your time in 30 - 60 minute segments for tasks. Don't spend hours doing one thing. Take small breaks to recharge (step outside for a few minutes or take a quick walk during lunch). Schedule everything on your calendar.

Identify the most important tasks that contribute directly to your business's success. Prioritize activities that generate revenue, build relationships with clients, or enhance your skills and expertise. Avoid getting bogged down by busywork that doesn't add significant value to your business.

Identify High-Impact Activities: Not all tasks are created equal. Analyze which activities generate the most revenue or significantly contribute to your goals. Learn to Delegate or Outsource: Consider delegating or outsourcing time-consuming tasks that others can handle. This frees you up to focus on high-value activities. Set Boundaries: Don't be afraid to say no to projects that fall outside your expertise or don't align with your long-term goals.

Once I have scheduled my day, it takes an emergency or an urgent request from a client to change my plans. I remain flexible to accommodate urgent requests, and am happy to re-prioritise, but anything that does not fit within my schedule simply waits until my work day is complete. It may take some practice, but planning your day each morning, making clear and remaining resolute towards your goals and objectives, and setting clear boundaries will have your work days running like a well-oiled machine.

Minimize interruptions and distractions that can derail your productivity. Create a dedicated workspace free from noise and distractions, and establish boundaries with family members or roommates to ensure uninterrupted work time. Consider using productivity tools or techniques such as time blocking to maintain focus.

This is important. Minimize Multitasking: Multitasking is a productivity myth. Focus on one task at a time to achieve deeper focus and avoid making mistakes. Minimize Social Media & Notifications: Schedule specific times to check social media and emails. Turn off notifications during focused work periods. Create a Dedicated Workspace: Having a designated workspace helps signal your brain that it's time to focus, minimizing distractions from household chores or hobbies.

Identify your peak productivity hours and schedule your most challenging or important tasks during that time. Take regular breaks to recharge and avoid burnout. Consider incorporating exercise, mindfulness practices, or other activities that boost your energy and mental clarity throughout the day.

Identify Your Peak Productivity Hours: Schedule demanding tasks for when you have the most energy, whether in the mornings or afternoons. Take Breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout the day to prevent burnout. Go for a walk, stretch, or meditate to refresh your mind and body. Prioritize Sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for optimal cognitive function. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.

A valuable method for optimizing daily energy expenditure is known as Energy Boxing. Often, despite beginning the day with vigor, the demands of meetings, client interactions, sales presentations, and other professional engagements can deplete one's energy reserves significantly by day's end. Consequently, this can leave individuals with minimal energy to invest in meaningful interactions with their families. Energy Boxing involves consciously allocating energy to each task, appointment, or engagement throughout the day. Prioritizing the allocation of optimal energy to interactions with family members is emphasized as a cornerstone of this approach.

Solicit feedback from clients, peers, or mentors to identify areas for improvement and opportunities for growth. Actively listen to their suggestions and incorporate constructive criticism into your work processes. Continuous feedback can help you refine your skills and deliver better results to your clients.

Client Feedback: Request feedback from clients on your work regularly. This helps you identify areas for improvement and tailor your services for better results. Peer Networks: Connect with other self-employed professionals for peer feedback and accountability. Share experiences and challenges to learn from each other.

Staying up-to-date in your field is essential for long-term success. Here's a personal example: As a freelance writer, I recently took an online course on SEO best practices. This new skill set allows me to write content that meets client needs and ranks higher in search engines. This translates to increased visibility and potential clients for me. Online Courses & Workshops: Numerous courses and workshops cater to various professional needs. Invest in learning new skills or deepening existing ones. Industry Publications & Blogs: Subscribe to industry publications and blogs to stay updated on trends, news, and best practices in your field

Reflect on what your prospective clients see you from an adding value perspective. What is your passion and strength? What niche and speciality can you carve out? Once you have that in place, cast your net out wide to see where and how your message and value add is seen. Over time, perhaps in a year, you would know where you need to invest time to maximize your results. I do suggest to most people to consciously block out times on their calendar for networking every week. Make sure you never waiver on that piece. I set up half a day a week to network. It was hard earlier, but today it is a religion given the value I see.