Ask a leader, ‘if you were granted any wish, what would it be?’ For the majority, the answer would be to have more time. ‘Give me an extra hour or two each day should do it!’ This is particularly true in the marketing and sales business and especially if building your own Home based Income Opportunity business.
If you are one of those who wish for more time then you may want to note this. Let’s face it, we all have the same amount of time each day, but the secret of having more time in that day is to concentrate on what matters and to have the courage to neglect those that don’t and unnecessary. It is as simple as that – or is it?
We all get busy and we all know how quickly time appears to go. As a leader, we aim to keep things into perspective.
The inventor Thomas Edison was asked what was the secret behind his success. His response was, ‘to be able to apply your mental and physical abilities to one problem excessively without growing weary’.
Each morning you wake up with thoughts of your day ahead. Before you know it, the day draws to an end. Between getting up and going to bed is a day full of activities. The big question is how many of the activities were associated with income producing to move your business forward? The space of a leader is about focusing on what matters each and every day.
Visionary leaders have a clear sense of direction and know what needs to be achieved and accomplished. They work on what is called their high heeled activities. Those activities that are a waste of time are disregarded.
The secret of personal effectiveness is concentration of purpose. In leadership there are activities worth your attention and those that do not. Once you have figured out what to focus on, then go out and do it. Your effectiveness as a leader will be liberated.
Switch from being busy to achieving results. There is nothing so uselessly effective than doing something that should not be done at all.
Want more time, then quit the things that don’t need to be done.
Some people try to be clever in managing their time. Just keep it simple and the more effective you will become. Smarter decisions mean fewer crises. Step back and review your effectiveness.
First thing each and every day, put aside time for weekly planning. Set your goals for the week and follow these simple 5 steps:
1. Revisit your vision each and every day.
What will the ultimate success look like? What will all your senses experience?
2. Review your annual victories
What do you want to accomplish in the next year (Annual goals)? Limit choice and have a game plan. Don’t get too overwhelmed otherwise you will become too busy.
Working within a framework is always good.
Become the master and not the servant. 97% of people are servants. 3% have a plan and a plan reduces the torment of choice. Leaders use their time through a different set of filters.
3. What minor victories or goals must be accomplished over the next 7 days?
Setting a target in 7 days will help you advance in your business. The answers will give you some simple wins.
Make best use of time and not just good use. This will mean everyday of the week will have a purpose and allow you to take charge of your days.
Make commitments each and every week and this will account for something.
4. Integrate the weekly wins that you promised yourself in a daily schedule
Follow through. Give the priorities what they deserve.
Other people’s priorities will try to put you off your plan. You need to have self discipline to keep to your priorities and stick to your plan.
It’s not what you know, it is what you do with what you know. This may include things you don’t like. If it has to be done to help you move forward then do it. If necessary, defer the easiest things.
5. Regular reflection
The mother of wisdom that leads to better lives. Reflect on how to spend your time. This helps to get to know yourself – your strengths and weaknesses.
There is nothing wrong with making mistakes in an attempt to move forward. But you do not want to keep making the same mistakes. This is lack of wisdom.
As long as you live, keep learning how to live. Great leadership deserves great followership. If you don’t lead your time then it will lead you. Manage your time starting today.
My name is Gary Oakes and I’m a business coach helping people to be an effective home based business entrepreneur and leader. Time is so important so don’t waste it. If you are looking to generate income through the internet then let me help you. If you wish to know more about what is required to run an effective Home Based Income Opportunity then visit freelyprosperous.com.
It does not cost you anything to take a look, and you never know this might be the very thing you are looking for. I would be glad of any feedback and will answer questions with integrity and honesty.