How to Manage Your Time and Make More Money
When we think about some of the most valuable resources we have, two things come to mind – time and money. This is especially true if you are your own boss since it means you’re in charge of both. Because the two are quite interconnected, you want to make sure you’re making the most of them. The best way to do it is to develop a time management system that will help you boost your income.
Now, this is something that’s easier said than done, and sometimes, it can feel like things are beyond your control. That said, it’s all a matter of finding what works best for you and then sticking to it. Below, five tips on how to manage your time effectively so you can boost your productivity and make more money.
Time Really Is Money: 5 Clever Ways You Can Maximize Both
1. Work when it works for you
Managing your time essentially means managing your energy –– which is another limited resource. If you’re someone who is working from home, chances are, your productivity tends to be the highest during certain hours. You feel your most productive self, you’re able to achieve more, and you’re able to handle your tasks more clearly.
This is the time that you want to allocate to tackling the most important things on your to-do list. As for the small stuff – leave these for your less generative hours – the time that is least optimal for working. These tasks can include:
- responding to emails
- handling project questions (lower-level ones)
- making necessary updates
- getting the desk ready for the next day, etc.
2. Get organized and create a schedule for yourself
Other than being strategic about picking your order of tasks, you should also try to be more organized. The truth is, it can be easy for your mind to wander and for the distractions to shift your attention away from your priorities for that day.
On the other hand, when you have a visual schedule in place and all your business office supplies are in order, it is so much easier to remain focused and stay on top of your daily tasks. This, in turn, makes it possible for you to maintain the same level of quality and reliability of your office workflow. What’s important is that you stay consistent with your schedule, planning your days using either an online or offline calendar.
3. Focus on the task at hand – not the time you spend
Many of us associate productivity with the amount of time we spend doing a particular task. However, this isn’t always the best way to measure our performance. Sometimes, certain tasks may be more challenging, and they require more time to complete. This can easily lead to unnecessary stress, especially when there are multiple distractions getting in the way at the office.
Instead of thinking of your performance based on the number of hours you put in, think of it in terms of how many tasks you need to handle. That way, no matter how complex the task at hand, you’ll be done when all your daily tasks are done. That said, it can be helpful to put some time limits on each of the tasks you plan to tackle. This will prevent you from wandering and procrastinating so you can finally get the job done. And, a personal feeling of success is always good.
4. Limit the time you spend on social media
Speaking of finding a way to stop procrastinating at work, you should also consider cutting back on social media. Living in the digital era means we’re constantly switching from one screen or device to another. A couple of minutes of scrolling through your social media feed may not seem harmful, but it can add up.
Now, we all know that social media can be a great way to earn money online. But if it’s not helping you do that, chances are, it’s a waste of time. While we’re not saying you should ditch social media altogether, try doing some of the following to limit your usage.
- Turn off your social media notifications
- Track the time you spend using social media
- Rely on mobile apps to set certain time limits
- Simply post and leave
That said, you will also have more time to schedule those driveway pavers, seeing a dentist, and a number of other things you’ve put on hold in your private life because you ‘’just don’t have the time’’.
5. Set clear financial goals
Last but not least, in order for you to be able to stick with good time management habits, it’s important that you’re clear on why you’re doing it in the first place. When you set particular goals you want to work towards, you’re more likely to stay motivated. Of course, not everyone has the same financial goals, so make sure you identify yours.
Think of the end goal and what you’re hoping to achieve in the next five to ten years. Ask yourself where you see yourself in terms of finances, and create both short-term and long-term goals, too. This will help you determine a budget you’ll need to stick to and figure out the best way to manage it.
Wrapping up
Managing your time means managing your money, and if you want to be successful, you need to make sure you’re doing it effectively. Stick with the tips above to perfect your time management system and you’ll be well on your way to reaching your financial goals and generating higher income.
