Let’s face it—running a business is a juggling act, and time? It always feels like there’s never enough of it. Good news is, many of the daily time-sucks we face are totally avoidable.
What if I told you that a few small changes could unlock hours of your day and make your business run smoother?
This isn’t about working harder or squeezing more into your already packed schedule. It’s about identifying the common time management traps that slow us down—and more importantly, how to fix them.
Whether you’re struggling to prioritize, drowning in tasks, or feeling overwhelmed by all the tech tools out there, this blog is here to help you cut through the noise.
Stick around. We’re diving into five of the most common time management mistakes and giving you practical, no-fluff solutions to get your time back and your business on track.
The Power of Owning Your Mornings
Let’s talk about mornings. Marlene Schimke from Rekindle Coach hit the nail on the head: mornings are prime time for getting things done. Your brain is fresh, sharp, and ready to tackle the big stuff. So why waste that golden window on low-priority tasks?
Here’s a quick win—start your day with your top 2-3 tasks. Not only does this set a solid tone for the day, but it also ensures you’re doing your best work when your brain is in its peak performance mode. And trust me, once you get those key tasks out of the way, the rest of the day feels like a breeze.
Let AI Take the Load Off
Now, let’s address a big elephant in the room: AI. I know, I know—AI can feel like a buzzword. But Kayce Neill from Visions to Ventures, points out how powerful it can be for us business owners. AI isn’t just about futuristic stuff; it’s about making your day-to-day easier. Automate repetitive tasks, use AI for smarter decision-making, and free yourself up for the creative, strategic work that only you can do.
Simple tools like ChatGPT for content creation or AI-driven analytics for crunching numbers can save you hours. Don’t get left behind while others harness this tech to leap ahead.
Get Your Business in Order
If you’re feeling like your operations are all over the place, you’re not alone. Donna Clark from Drama Club Mama has been there and fixed that. Her secret? Systematize. Document everything from how you process orders to how you manage your inbox. This isn’t just about being neat; it’s about creating a streamlined workflow that saves you time and headaches.
Start small. Use Google Docs to jot down the steps for recurring tasks. Gradually, you’ll build a playbook that makes onboarding new team members easier and keeps everything running smoothly, even when you’re not around.
Let Go and Delegate
Finally, a big one for us control freaks: delegation. Sarah McDougall from Wilderness to WILD says it’s all about humility—recognizing what you’re not great at and passing it off to someone who is. Not only does this free up your time, but it also empowers your team to step up and grow.
Start by identifying tasks that drain your energy or skills you lack. Whether it’s hiring a freelancer or trusting your team with more responsibility, letting go can open up new possibilities for both you and your business.
Don’t Forget Your CEO Time
One of the smartest moves you can make as a business owner is carving out dedicated "CEO time." This isn’t just about catching up on admin work—it’s about stepping back from the daily grind to focus on the big picture.
Set aside a chunk of your week to strategize, set goals, and think long-term. It’s easy to get lost in the hustle, but without this focused time, your business could drift off course.
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Being a business owner is a wild ride, filled with ups and downs. But by making these small but powerful changes—like owning your mornings, embracing AI, systematizing processes, carving out CEO time, and delegating tasks—you can regain control of your time and energy. And when you do, your business won’t just survive; it’ll thrive.
