Oh my god! If you’re like me, you sometimes realize you’ve ran out of time to do ANYTHING AT ALL.

But between the holidays, wrapping up client projects, and just LIVING, I needed to put together a system to get my priorities knocked out.

So….if you’re like me here are my tips on how manage my damn time.

MAKE A PLAN

Making a plan for my day, week, month has been my best weapon in finding lost time.

In fact, it makes me be productive. Each project (client or personal) you take on will benefit from having you plan it out ahead of time. Planning means listing out each step you’re going to need to take to complete it and by when (aka: deadlines).

Once you have an overall plan, use your plan to prioritize your day. Figure out what actions you need to take to knock that list out!

My suggestion: start with the hardest thing on your to-do list. This is most likely the thing you’re dreading doing the most. Trust me, once you get that thing done, everything else in your day will seem like a breeze.  Plus, that badass feeling of accomplishment will keep you motivated all day long.

BATTLING DISTRACTIONS

If you’re easily distracted (SQUIRREL!) and nothing seems help, then it’s time to bring out the big guns.

Delete apps from your phone. Turn off notifications. DON’T log into Facebook. Arrange your schedule around (if you can) so you won’t hear your gardener or the dumpster truck working away. Go somewhere quiet (No, not the coffee shop! Try the library instead!).

Seriously, try removing the distractions completely.

GETTING STARTED OR FINISHING THE TASK

If you’re having trouble getting started get an accountability buddy (I mentioned these folks in my last blog post) to help you. I honestly believe, that everyone has the BEST INTENTIONS of completing a task. But the problem is most people have is sticking to their deadlines.  

So, if you feel like someone will be checking in on you, you’ll get task done.

TAKE A BREAK

This may seem kind of weird for a time management tip but it’s actually been really helpful for me. When I’m slogging through copy revisions, taking a break from looking at my screen HELPS ME stay on task.

My breaks are usually anywhere from 15 minutes to half an hour. I get snack, allow myself to goof off on Facebook and then I return back to work. I notice when I do this I have the mental energy to keep going! I use reminders on my phone to gently remind me when break time is up.

Well, hopefully, you find these tips helpful. Time management doesn’t have to be super-complicated it just needs to be simple enough for you to do!