Time Management Tips: A Guide for Professionals

An area I love to cover in #TheGroundFloor is a dive into the topic of entrepreneurship and professional growth. An important skill set to own in your life is your time management. Whether you're running a business, climbing the corporate ladder, or chasing your dreams, mastering your time can be the key to success in both your professional and personal life.

As someone who took a risk when I started my own business in 2019, I know firsthand the chaotic world of deadlines, meetings, and endless to-do lists. I pride myself on my time-management and organization skills and am happy to share a few tips to help you master this yourself.?

1. PRIORITIZE

We live in a world where everything seems urgent, which means you need to prioritize your to-do list. Take a step back, breathe, and assess your tasks based on their importance and impact. Not everything on your list deserves equal attention. Focus on the high-impact tasks that move the needle forward for your business or personal goals.

2. BLOCK YOUR TIME

Time blocking is crucial to manage a busy schedule. Break your day into distinct blocks of time dedicated to specific tasks or projects. Whether it’s answering emails, brainstorming new ideas, or attending meetings, allocate focused time slots for each activity. By compartmentalizing your day, you minimize distractions and maximize productivity. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure you’re giving equal attention to all aspects of your business and personal life.

3. LEARN TO SAY NO (POLITELY, OF COURSE)

Saying “no” is a skill that many of us struggle with, myself included. But here’s the thing: every time you say “yes” to something, you’re saying no to something else—often your own sanity and well-being. Be selective with your commitments. Prioritize your time and energy for tasks and opportunities that align with your goals and values.?

4. LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY WISELY

In today’s digital age, we have a plethora of tools at our fingertips to streamline our workflow and enhance productivity. From project management platforms to time-tracking, find the tools that work best for you and integrate them seamlessly into your daily routine. My favorite tool is simply my calendar and Siri. I’m often setting reminders and adding notes directly to my calendar which is accessible from my phone and my desktop.

5. SCHEDULE TIME FOR YOURSELF

Amidst the hustle and bustle of work life, don’t forget to schedule time for self-care and personal growth (aka, work-life balance). Whether it’s hitting the gym, practicing mindfulness, or simply indulging in a good book, prioritize activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

6. LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES (AND CELEBRATE YOUR WINS)

We are all human. We’re bound to stumble, fall, and make a mess of things from time to time. I have made many mistakes, but I have learned from each one. The beauty of it all is that every failure is a lesson in disguise. Embrace setbacks, learn from them, and come back stronger and wiser than before. Most importantly, don’t forget to celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Acknowledge your progress and use it as fuel to propel you forward.

7. CULTIVATE A GROWTH MINDSET

Last but certainly not least, cultivate a growth mindset. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. Be open to new ideas, feedback, and perspectives. Remember, the journey to success is paved with curiosity, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

To sum it up, mastering personal time management isn’t just about squeezing more hours out of the day—it’s about living with intention, purpose, and balance. Take a few minutes, right now, and reclaim your time. Your future self will thank you for it.

- Andrew Exler