Five Tips on Managing Your Time as a Small Business Owner
Being your own boss has its perks. One of the BIGGEST perks being that you control your own schedule.
Right away, it sounds so amazing! No boss telling you what to do, no clocking in and out, no calling in because you’re sick, etc.
But actually, most business owners struggle with not only creating their own routine but sticking to it which proves to be a MAJOR problem.
A few months back, The Bear conducted a little survey and the answers revealed that MOST small business owners struggle with balancing their work to life ratios.
We get it. It’s hard to put down a project during dinner that’s 2-weeks behind schedule and you’re neck deep in trying to problem solve a way around a bug within a system that you doesn’t have ANY customer support. Not speaking from experience or anything. *Sarcasm*
So, what are we gonna do about it?
The Bear has come to you today to give you a handful of useful tips on how to maximize your time, create discipline for your routine, and even tools that can help you along the way.
Five Tips on Managing Your Time as a Business Owner
1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead
Start each day with INTENTION. Spend a few minutes the day before, and write down your top three/five priorities for the next day. This isn’t about a rigid schedule; it’s about giving yourself a written guide so that when distractions hit, you have a clear checkmark to satisfy. Use a planner, digital calendar, or even a sticky note—whatever gets your ideas flowing. We use a simple revolving Note that we access to on mobile or Mac at all times.
2. Embrace Time Blocking
Time blocking can feel like magic. Instead of a vague to-do list, carve your day into dedicated chunks: creative time, client calls, admin work, and yes, even break time, sis! When you know exactly when you’re handling client communication versus when you’re scheduling your next ad campaign, you’re less likely to fall into the procrastination pit of terror and gloom.
3. Leverage Your Favorite Tools
To be completely honest, there are WAY too many apps and tools designed to keep you on track. Whether it’s a project management tool like Monday, a digital calendar with reminders, or even a simple timer app, find the ones that resonate with you and stick with them. These digital sidekicks can help you manage tasks more efficiently and even give you that much-needed nudge when it’s time to switch gears. Just find what works for YOU.
4. Build in Breaks and “Me” Time
Scheduling isn’t just about work. To keep yourself from daydreaming or feeling overwhelmed from starting, just tackle one thing at a time. Schedule in and intentionally make time for short breaks. Whether it’s a quick walk, a coffee break, or even a few minutes of meditation, stepping away from your desk can recharge your brain and improve focus when you return. This is science. Not just stuff we made up!
5. Reflect, Adjust, and Celebrate
At the end of each week, take time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. This isn’t time to bully yourself though. Don’t be mean to our friend. This is about reflecting for progress (which is a GOOD thing, girl). Maybe you discovered that your peak creativity hits at 10 AM, or that you need a longer break between meetings. Adjust your schedule accordingly. And don’t forget to celebrate even the small wins; every bit of progress is a victory on your entrepreneurial journey.
In Conclusion…
It’s all about finding balance, staying disciplined, and giving yourself permission to tweak your routine as you learn what works best for you. And remember, if you ever need a little extra inspiration or a friendly reminder to take a break, The Bear’s got your back.
If you feel like you need more support, get your life together with a one-on-one strategy call with The Bear.
