Posts Tagged ‘time management’

Women Entrepreneurs are among the busiest people I know. But busy does not mean effective. Do you need more time in your day? Do you need to be more effective?

Here are some 5 Minute Time Management Strategies for you to try on. Why 5 Minute Strategies? Because you’re BUSY! If it takes more than 5 minutes to implement your time management strategy, you probably won’t do it!

• Stop Answering the Phone! Now this isn’t for everyone. If you are in customer service or responsible for scheduling clients, then you probably still want to answer the phone. Most of us, though, answer the phone because it’s ringing. We react. Instead of being reactive, be proactive. Plan your calls. Pick up messages and return calls all at once when you have the time to do it, not when you’re in the middle of something else.
• Stop Checking Your Email, Facebook and Twitter! If you’re anything like me, you could probably spend your whole day in front of your computer (or on your iPhone) checking your email and your social media platforms. You will feel busy and you will look busy, but you might not get much done. Schedule 3-6 times per day (for 15 to 60 minutes) that you will check email and your social media sites and respond to whatever you need to respond to. It takes discipline, but it’s worth it. This tip alone can free you up to do some “real work” and get some real results!
• Use NET Time! NET stands for “No Extra Time”. Listen to teleclass recordings in your car, learn a language while you work out, check your email while you’re in the drop off circle to pick up your kids from school, prepare your sales presentation or your upcoming class while you’re hanging out at baseball practice. You get the idea.
• Say “No” or “Not Now.” There are a lot of distractions in life. Practice saying “no” and “not now” to distractions. If it’s something that’s really important, schedule it.
• Make a List. Top 5, Top 6 or Top 10. Every evening or every morning, make a list of your Top 5, 6 or 10 things that you must accomplish during the next 24 hours and do them.

I was thrilled to get up this morning and realize that I get an extra hour today due to Daylight Saving Time!  I felt so motivated like I could get so much extra stuff done today.  I started by going grocery shopping before breakfast.  Then I decided to update my website.  I also took a break to workout.  I played a game with the kids this afternoon and created a new facebook fan page.  So, all in all, I spent at least 6 “extra” hours today doing things that I wouldn’t normally do on a Sunday because I perceived that I had “so much extra time”.

It made me realize that I can always make time to do the things that I want to do and that there is plenty of time in the day when I’m looking for it.  It reminded me of the concept of NET Time.  NET stands for “No Extra Time”.  I have this practice of “creating” time by using NET time.  It’s just a fancy kind of multi-tasking with intention.  I listen to motivational or educational CDs in the car, especially in traffic.  I make personal phone calls while doing the dishes or laundry.  It helps me feel more productive and to justify “hanging out” with my girlfriends on the phone and it makes otherwise dull chores something I look forward to.

So, what did you do with your extra hour today?  What would you do if you had an extra hour every day?  Where can you find an extra hour in your day to do just that?

What is life coaching?

The purpose of life coaching is to explore your dreams and goals, to stay actively involved in creating your life and to live in choice. Coaching will help you to remember who you really are and who you really want to be on a daily basis. Coaches believe that we are defined by how we show up in our life and deal with the surprises that are sent our way rather than being defined by what kind of surprises show up. Surprises, problems and challenges are a consistent part of the human experience. Coaching is built on a foundational belief that you are naturally creative, resourceful and whole. You are not broken and you do not need to be fixed. Coaching helps you develop a resourceful state of mind, stay or get present in your life, clarify your goals and create eloquent action plans for success. Most coaches offer complimentary sample sessions; the absolute best way to understand coaching is to try it.

Why do people hire a life coach?

Most people hire a life coach because they want more – time, money, health, success, happiness, fun, fulfillment, etc. People also come to coaching because they want less – problems, conflict, drama, etc. Often people come to coaching because they feel stuck. Coaching helps clients to look at their choices and to choose with intention. Not making a choice – being stuck – is a choice. Coaches are good at helping people move into action.

Carrie Kish is a life coach and leadership trainer who specializes in coaching women entrepreneurs, especially coaches, and leadership training for corporations and teens.  For more information, visit www.CarrieKish.com or call 661.255.2100.