Is time the real reason you don't have a clear plan for where your business is heading?

I don't have enough time.

Let’s face it - we’re all guilty of saying that, aren’t we? But here's the thing: not making the time to work ON your business is a dangerous place to be.

Don’t get me wrong, I know how easy it is to fall into the habit of only ever working IN your business. Things get busy, the to-do list gets longer, and the business planning goes on the back burner. It was a lot easier to juggle when you first started out, wasn’t it? No clients or customers, just a hope that this could be the thing that took off so you could wave goodbye to your corporate job! But be honest. How much time do you set aside each week or month to focus on your vision for the future? To get out of the weeds? To re-align and plan what actions you need to take so you won’t get bored and stagnate??

If you’re like most of us (yes, including me!), I’m guessing it’s probably not enough!

So, what are you really prioritising? What are you procrastinating over, or flat-out avoiding?

The big question is, where do you see yourself and your business in five years if you don’t make time to get the clarity you need? It's a bit of a wake-up call, isn't it? Without a clear plan, we risk wandering aimlessly, reacting to whatever comes our way, and potentially missing out on fantastic opportunities.

So, how do we make sure we use our time wisely and avoid the time trap?

??Prioritise your priorities

If you want to see changes in your business, evolve and reach the next level, you need goals. To achieve those goals, you need a plan. Hoping for things to magically fall into place won't cut it. You can’t keep doing the same stuff and hope that your business will become bigger, better, and more financially successful. Instead, you need to start by getting clear on your priorities. What truly matters to you and your business? What tasks do you love doing or clients do you enjoy working with? What drains your energy? By identifying your key goals and focusing on the most impactful tasks (and letting go or delegating the rest), you can make better use of your time.

???Time blocking is your friend

Ever find yourself starting a task that should take you 10 minutes but you’re still there half an hour later? Yep, it’s easily done! Instead, use your diary and create dedicated time blocks for specific tasks. For example, set aside time for client meetings, uninterrupted periods for focused work, life admin and breaks, because the latter two are just as important. Time blocking helps you to stay organised, avoids multi-tasking (which actually reduces productivity and effectiveness) and ensures you allocate time to your top priorities – just make sure you’re realistic with how long things are going to take!

?? The power of small steps

Remember, you don't need to tackle everything at once. Think about what you want to achieve in the short term and what small steps (and small is key here so they are more manageable!) you need to take to get there. Small, consistent steps in the right direction all add up over time. As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day but it’s easy to get sucked into this ‘overnight success’ and 'I made a million from my bedroom' narrative. Even if you can dedicate an hour a week to strategic planning or your marketing, who knows where you could be by the end of the year? A tip that helps me with my business planning is a change of scenery. I book out a day every few months and work from a café or gym (or even my in-law's house!) and limit my day-to-day distractions – it can really help me get into the zone and feel inspired. ?(And if you need help getting a plan together, I may know someone who can help... ??)

?? Connect and collaborate (and stay accountable)

Sometimes, it's easier to make time when you have someone to hold you accountable. Whether it's a mentor, a coach, or a business buddy, having someone to share your goals and progress with can be a game-changer. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who can inspire you, lift you up, offer advice and be your biggest cheerleaders can all help keep that motivation going. I have a network of coaches I can lean on and a VA by my side who helps me brainstorm, bring my ideas to life and keep me on track!

?? Delegate and outsource

It’s time to accept that you don't have to do everything yourself (nor should you!). Delegate tasks that others can handle instead or outsource projects to experts who are going to do a far better job. This frees up your time to focus on high-value activities that drive your business forward. Yes, you may enjoy doing certain things, but they may not be the best use of your time. It’s all about focusing on your zone of genius. You may feel uneasy or worried about losing control and visibility but finding the right person or people to collaborate with can help push your business to new heights!

?? Say NO more to future-proof your business

To create a business that feels good, you need to recognise that not every opportunity or request is going to be a good fit for you or your goals. This is why it’s key to understand and identify what’s important to you, what motivates you, and where you gain the most energy and regularly review and reflect on it. Because when you know the end game, making decisions becomes a lot easier. Plus, you’ll feel more confident saying no when something doesn’t align.

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In a nutshell, "not enough time" isn't an excuse; it's a reality we all face. The key is to be proactive in how we use our time to steer our businesses in the right direction.

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Need some help? Book a free consultation call here. ?https://meetfox.com/en/e/rebecca-amin-1?t=0&l=intro-consultation-business-owner