Time Management: How to Align Your Values AND Your Schedule

Time management. It's one of the greatest frustrations and challenges entrepreneurs will face. And without time management skills, we end up overwhelmed, overworked, and resentful of our obligations and commitments. 

But there's good news: time management is a skill that can be cultivated! Today I'm going to show you how. 

Before we get to that, let's talk about why time management is so critical.

The importance of time management

As a business owner, you have really specific tasks and priorities. Chances are, you also have a lot of people who want a lot of things from you – from your clients to your team to your family and friends. 

If you're someone who struggles saying no, you might often find yourself saying yes to these people when it really feels like a no. And it's not a no because you don't WANT to help them or serve them.

It's a "no" because it isn't 100% in line with your values, mission, or vision. And if it's isn't aligned with those, it isn't something you want to make time for, naturally. 

Your schedule feels packed with to-do lists, events, appointments, and other commitments. And adding anything else to it will just push you over the edge. 

But even when it feels like a no, we might not say no if we aren't ruthless with our time. 

To avoid this overwhelm and create a schedule that's truly aligned with what's most important to you, it's time to get fierce with time management.

After all, if not now, when?

Start being ruthless about time management

It's time to start redesigning how you spend your time, all of it.

Get clear on your values, on what aligns most with you in your heart, both for your work and for the people you spend time with.

(By the way, I've got a Four Decision Method you can use to MAKE more time! Find it here)

Next, start working on a strategy for your time. Then do a time audit of where you spend your time. Evaluate. Redesign. Keep doing this. 

Let's get more specific. 

The details

The ruthless time management journey starts with getting clear on your values: What you want more of in your life and what you want less of.

This process can be an entire life-overhaul, especially if you work with a coach, mentor or friend to go through it.

As a first step, do this:

• Write down your top 5-7 values. 
• Now, do an audit of your time/your calendar.
• Check if your values are reflected in your calendar.

In other words, is the majority of your time aligned with what you value most in this world?

If this isn't happening, you'll see immediately where change needs to happen.

For example, let's say it's incredibly important to you to give back to your community. But when you look at your calendar, there is NOTHING in your schedule related to that.

This shows a clear disconnect between your values and your schedule. 

Look for commitments in your calendar that don't light you up

Maybe you go to a book club once a month that you don't actually LOVE. Could these two hours be spent volunteering at a local food bank instead? 

Again, this is just an example. Depending on your own values, there are so many places you can look for to optimize your time management.

Maybe you really want to start your own business but there's no time booked for creating it in your calendar! Make it! Or maybe you want to have a family movie night once a month but you haven't scheduled it! Write it down! 

Now I want to hear from you. Once you do a time audit, what are the things you could take out and replace with things that are more aligned with your values?

Comment down below and let me know!

Want more?

PS. Looking for more help cultivating your time management skills? This is just one of the things I work on with my coaching clients. Click here to schedule a free call to learn more about my year-long entrepreneurial coaching program!