If you are not working on your “main thing,” or top priority outcome, you are being distracted by work that could otherwise be delegated. Focus on your ‘main thing’ - Are you investing your time in opportunities, or distractions? Communicate your standard for success and oversee the process until you are removed from it completely.ĥ. If your problem is releasing control (no matter how small the task) create a process document for your EA to follow. Instead, delegate outcomes that you don’t have time to do, or do not have an interest in doing. Micromanaging slows you down and clutters your calendar.
Create processes to get out of the weeds - Are you deeply involved in rote tasks that require your approval? With a fixed work window, you are less likely to keep outcomes on your plate that can otherwise be outsourced, and instead focuses you on high-level, needle-moving activities.Ĥ. This forces you to look hard at your todos to decide which work can ONLY be done by you - and what can be delegated? Name E-mail E-mail is already registered on the site. It is a habit you will have for a while until you feel that you have managed using your time proficiently. Rather than falling into the trap of working 12- or 14-hour days, follow consistent “start” and “stop” times. Decluttering your calendar is not a task you can finish in one day. Have consistent “start” and “stop” times - When you’re your own boss, you can set your own schedule. Working with (rather than against) your mental stamina will help you complete work more efficiently.ģ. If you are a morning person, ask your EA to front-load your schedule with tasks that require critical thinking, and leave the mundane activities for late afternoon when you’re less engaged. Schedule work around energy flows - If you know your peak performance hours, structure your todos around them. It indicates to your team to not schedule over that reserved window and guarantees you uninterrupted work or personal time.Ģ. Block “busy” periods on your calendar - Before your Executive Assistant or fellow team members can get the chance to schedule-up your week, block out periods of time for yourself labeled as “busy” on the calendar.īlocking busy periods allows you to protect your time in advance.
As a result, you will feel less busy and more in control of your time.ġ. Here are 5 practical tips for decluttering your schedule. Leaders who implement time management strategies work more efficiently and productively by tapping into their energy highs and lows and working around their peak performance times. It can also contribute to diminished work quality. The cult of busy may praise a gridlocked calendar and associate it with high performance, riches, and success - but it is actually a fast track to burnout. It also requires parting ways with the belief that busyness equals productivity, and stress with success. You can never get more time, but you can find ways to make better use of the time you have.ĭecluttering your schedule takes intentionality and a willingness to work differently.