98 Making the most of time Productivity is a high priority for most businesses. As employers, we want to know that our staff are using their time efficiently and effectively but as business owners, it’s just as important for us to take responsibility and to use our time wisely. Making the most of our time not only increases productivity and time management but it can have a huge impact on our mental health as well as our wellbeing. So, when the clock is ticking, how can we make the most of our time to work smarter, not harder? First, if you don’t already, start making a note of how you’re spending your time and how long it takes you to carry out specific tasks. By doing this, you’ll start to get a clear picture of where you need to give yourself more time. Next, and this might sound super obvious, but try to prioritise your workload. Giving yourself enough time to complete projects with a longer lead-in time allows space for the last-minute pieces of work that you know are bound to crop up now and again. And, further to this, don’t avoid working on the hardest task first. We’re all guilty of dodging the trickier jobs but chipping away at those slightly more challenging tasks bit by bit will help you have it done in no time. Another way to use your time wisely is to manage people’s expectations and push back when you have to. If you’re unable to deliver on something straight away, tell your colleague or your client. It pays to be honest and they’re going to be a lot more grateful knowing where they stand. Finally, on a personal note, I’ve found that focusing on being in the moment is hugely important to getting the most out of a day. It has been a huge life lesson, one that I’m still learning more about day by day. Anyone that knows me, knows I like to try and squeeze a ridiculous number of things into my everyday life. And for the most part, it pays off! This is because I never try to multitask, and I always try to be present in the moment. What I mean by this is fully focusing on the task in hand. If I have had to travel for an important meeting, I try to give it my undivided attention. I could spend time agonising about how I’m not around to put the kids to bed but if we’re being totally honest, who is that helping? Worrying about the kids isn’t going to help them or I to feel any better, and the truth is, they’ll be having the time of their lives with their grandparents or their dad. All it’s going to do is make me feel guilty and like a bad mam. I’ve already made the decision to be there. So, I compartmentalise each activity or thing I’m working on and it works. And it works both ways, if I’m going to finish work early so that I can make sure I pick the kids up from school, then I won’t be in work mode. I have never wanted to be the mam who has one hand pushing the swing and one hand checking her phone! There are no hard and fast rules about how we can make better use of our time but a bit of reflection, focus and good old-fashioned list making can have a huge impact on getting back some precious time! Ultimately, being more organised and prepared reduces stress and promotes a healthier work-life balance. Here Sara Davies gives her expert advice… Sara Davies MBE is founder of Crafter’s Companion.
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