Time Management Issues? [READER SURVEY]

If you’re trying to start or run an internet-based business, chances are you’ve run up into the challenges of managing your time.

Hell, we ALL run up into these challenges. Time seems to be scarce, does it not?

I’m going to be talking about this issue for the next few days, but today…. I WANT YOUR INPUT. :)

Yes, I want you to take a moment and post a comment on this post answering this simple question…

What difficulties have you had when it comes to time management?

What  have you tried? Has it worked? Are you still struggling with having enough time in the day to do what you want to do?

Don’t worry about being embarrassed… trust me, there’s not one of you reading this post who hasn’t felt it. :)

I’ll be reading every one of your comments, and I’ll be down there replying. :) So, take a moment and post your experience below. If you’re reading this in an RSS feed, then click on over to the blog and add your two cents to the conversation.

See ya down in the comments. :)

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  • Chris

    I’ve tried everything!  I found only one thing works…have a list of the three things I want to accomplish for the day.  It sits in front of my monitor.  I can usually kick out 2 of the 3. 

  • http://davidrisley.com David Risley

    Good one. :-)

  • brianspeaks

    Trying to do too much at once, which quickly become paralysis by analysis. Often times far less gets accomplished. Prioritizing most important tasks seems tricky (do I blog, video, create programs, re tweak the site etc).

  • Scott

    I use my outlook calendar to block time to do things.  I update the information right in the calendar and can decide to reschedule then.  I have the luxery of using Exchange with Outlook so everything syncs everywhere (office/home/pc/mac/droid/ipad). 

    The trick is focus when the time comes to do something and not just push it until later.  It ebbs and flows but I can see at a glance where I am and what it hot (color coding).  It works for me as a central repository for just about everything and I have a 15 or so year history of every email, appointment, contact all in one place. 

    But you know what, like Chris said few things work like a post-it on a monitor.  Simple and effective.

  • Anonymous

    I use a good old paper based system – a wired notebook :) . However, I definitely need a better way to keep track of things as my life is getting more complicated in terms of things that I am involved in and things I need to make sure get done. Find a balance is certainly a challenge.

  • http://davidrisley.com David Risley

    Yeah, the paralysis by analysis is one I see a lot of.

    Tip: focus on where the money comes from. Profit centers.

  • http://www.facebook.com/Getoutofstuck Roberta Budvietas

    Working for years with new business start-ups the number one challenge is knowing what to do. So time management always comes down to doing one thing each day to either learn more about your business or complete one set-up task

  • Jane Bednarczyk

    David

    I have to resort to paper lists of what is most urgent.  It is very satisfying though when you have crossed things off your list at the end of the day or week depending on timescale.

  • Luca Lazzari

    I’m fighting against time management since my childhood days…
    Currently, I try to organize my tasks on a weekly basis, monday to sunday. Every day I work on no more then 3 big tasks, with blocks of 90 minutes max, plus some maintenance “time zones” (like reading mails, browsing forums, and so on), typically around noon and at the end of the day, around 7 pm.And I keep a list of my current goals written on big stripes of brown wrapping paper on my wall.
    And I seriously think that this is a really BIG issue, so your posts are very appreciated!

  • http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine

    As long as I’m doing well and having fun, I don’t care about “time management.” I would give all the OCD/GTD types out there fits if they saw how I “work.”

  • http://www.passionforthepint.com Mike Crimmins

    I think my biggest problem was trying to do to much. I had all sorts of great ideas, but very few of them were ever getting done because there’s only 24 hours in the day. Even with detailed task lists and goals, I found that I wasn’t getting everything done and even worse my projects that were successful weren’t getting enough attention because I was spread out to thin. What really worked was stepping way back and looking really figuring out what I wanted to be working on, improving what was working and moving some projects on to the back burner until I could give them the proper effort. It’s tough because I still have hundreds of ideas popping up in my head, but simplifying has really led to me getting more done.

  • http://sybersquad.com Christopher Knopick

    With a full time job and family in addition to the business, finding the time to accomplish anything is a challenge (preaching to the choir I’m sure). I’ve been experimenting with several online and app based programs for computers and mobile devices. The ones I’ve been finding the most useful are Reqall and Evernote as they work together as well as with progams like Outlook (for work). They’re optimal since they have both mobile and PC / Mac / Web versions and sync to each other. Reqall also has a beta android app I’m in testing on called Reqall Rover and it neatly organizes relevant info, almost like having a VA.
    In short it’s tough but there are tools to help if you need them.

  • http://cathypresland.com/entrepreneur-test/ Cathy Presland

    I have a REALLY simple system (for me – this isn’t necessarily what I recommend to others).

    I start the day by thinking about one thing I can do to move my biz forward today. And then I do it. And then I can either work on other projects or else take the rest of the day off guilt-free (well, nearly ;) ). Works pretty well as a way to get the important stuff done and also have a lot of free time which is why I’m in biz for myself.

    Cathy

  • http://internetmoneymap.com Mark

    I’m struggling with this big time and it mostly has to do with what NOT to do.  Choosing to do one thing is choosing against another right…
    It’s mostly being lazy about enforcing structure and consistency.  Same as eating, working out or just about anything of value
    Not sure what the answer is?
    Mark

  • http://blogtrainingclassroom.com/blog/niche-profit-classroom-review/ John Hoff

    Hey David.

    I have a good system I’ve been using lately and it’s been really successful for me. It’s basically the Pomodoro technique. The biggest challenge I have with time is family. I can spend family time at night, no problem. But often times it seems when family sees that I work from home they automatically think I can stop everything and go do things outside of work.

    The… “We need to go get this…” or “It’s time to pick the kids up from school”.

    A little here and there each day adds up.

    So I suppose I have a good system, it’s just the interruptions. I have almost been thinking of renting out a house around the block and use it as my office.

  • http://blogtrainingclassroom.com/blog/niche-profit-classroom-review/ John Hoff

    Hey David.

    I have a good system I’ve been using lately and it’s been really successful for me. It’s basically the Pomodoro technique. The biggest challenge I have with time is family. I can spend family time at night, no problem. But often times it seems when family sees that I work from home they automatically think I can stop everything and go do things outside of work.

    The… “We need to go get this…” or “It’s time to pick the kids up from school”.

    A little here and there each day adds up.

    So I suppose I have a good system, it’s just the interruptions. I have almost been thinking of renting out a house around the block and use it as my office.

  • http://davidrisley.com David Risley

    I’ve had that thought, too. (The outside office). And, yeah, I’m familiar with the Pomodoro. Its another way to do things…. if you can keep the distractions at bay.

  • http://davidrisley.com David Risley

    Yeah, focus on profit centers first. I try to do the same.

  • http://davidrisley.com David Risley

    Absolutely. Simpler the better.

  • http://davidrisley.com David Risley

    Hehe…. as long as things get done, that’s all that matters. :-)

  • http://davidrisley.com David Risley

    Yep, its a biggie. You have no idea how much this issue pops up in every survey I run to my audience.

  • http://davidrisley.com David Risley

    Yep, knowing what to do. Another one I see a lot. Thanks.

  • http://www.chuckbartok.com Chuck Bartok

    For the past 50 years Action on ONE new thing has been the solution.
    I do not Multitask, but found delegation easy.
    Rest of tome is spent with the mundane repetitious requirements of Business management, regardless the business.
    Never relied on artificial systems, just always have my written plans in front on many 8×11 notebooks

  • http://www.gainhigherground.com Rob Cornish

    Hi David,

    Personally, I’m a bit old school so I list the top 3 highest priority tasks on a yellow post it note, stick it on my monitor, close all “distraction apps” (Skype, email, FB,Twitter) and try my best to just focus and do one by one.

    Sometimes it works, sometimes is doesn’t, but on the whole it does make me more productive! 

    As for my difficulties, I find the biggest problem is the “work expands into the time available”. So if I know I have 9 hours that day I will sub-consciously work slower than if I know I have 5 hours available. I’m fully aware this happens but can’t seem to stop it!Good topic – looking forward to your discussion on this :-) Rob

  • http://www.nichewebvideo.com Russell James

    I struggle with this issue a lot, as I find focus to be very difficult when there seems to be soooo much that seems needed to be done. 
     I am making progress with the idea of only putting 4 things on my to do list and choose the 1 thing I seem to have the most resistance to, be done by 11am. I do not always get the list done but when I look back over a 7 day period, I definitely have got more things ticked of, than trying to throw too much on the daily to do list.   

  • http://www.facebook.com/trishajbarnes Trisha Barnes

    It’s like playing a card game . . . I’ve been dealt a great hand, and keep drawing fantastic cards, but I don’t know which ones to play, which ones will count the highest, which ones go together best . . . (paralysis factor for sure).  

  • http://thedaleypost.com Frank Daley

         David…an excruciating problem. Try this.                                         
     
    FOLLOW THESE FIVE STEPS
     1. At night, write down the five most important things you need to work on the next day in priority order.
    2. Next morning, work on No 1 until you can’t work on it any more–for whatever reason–no access to required information, can’t contact the person you need to speak to, your computer breaks down, your hangover is killing you, etc.
    3. Then work on No 2. Work on it until you are stopped (not you being distracted).
    4. Continue in this way until you have worked on all 5 items.
    5. Move on to lesser tasks.

    That’s it. It may take you  a  week to incorporate into your life but you can do this overnight.
     
    Can this regime be broken? NO.
    OK, YES, BUT only under this condition.
    IF you have a pressing, critical problem (you need to see a dentist right now!; the baby is crying; you just spilled coffee on your pants) . 
    That’s it. No Internet. No telephone. Nothing.
     Do this 5-point procedure every day.
    It works. 

  • http://www.mactonweb.com/web-design-company-united-kingdom.html web design london

    I think my biggest problem was trying to do to much. I had all sorts of great ideas, but very few of them were ever getting done because there’s only 24 hours in the day. 

  • Anonymous

    cool

  • http://twitter.com/#!/CraigMcBreen Craig McBreen

    Hi David,

    If I could only get all the time back I’ve spent creating new time management systems for myself!! I’ve tried the GTD approach, Leo’s big rocks approach. I’ve shortened my lists, expanded my lists, purchased software and apps to help keep track of my lists!! Paralysis by analysis anyone!

    But, I’ve come back to the simplest solution of all, … where I started. I have a $1 spiral notebook and list the three most important tasks, and give myself 30 minutes max to work on other things like email. Usually the less on my lists, the more I actually accomplish. Now, I’m in the process of starting a blog, so that’s thrown a wrench into the works (as has commenting :) ) The blog is usually one of my big three to four tasks on any given day.

    I’m actually thinking of abandoning the stinkin’ lists altogether, as they introduce way too much stress in my life. I’ll let you know how it goes. My OCD often gets the better of me.

  • Cristina

    I like Steven Covey’s stuff and John Maxwell’s stuff.  I blend the two together and make some pretty good progress without dwelling too much on the stuff that “doesn’t matter.”  It works for a momma with a baby, a full fledged medical practice and an online business. :)

  • http://TimeSavorSue.com SueAnne Roberts

    Consistent action on top priorities is key. Any system can work.

    Know your priorities. Decide on next steps. Take action – consistently.

  • http://www.interrogatoire.net/ Dushan

    As far as I’m concerned, my biggest breakthrough with time management is this : when I turn on the computer, I force myself to work for an hour and a half on my main task of the day BEFORE DOING ANYTHING ELSE ! (That’s the though part : no email, no social media, nothing).

    It’s nothing extraordinary, but it’s what brings me the most consistent results on a day to day basis.

    Dushan,
    from Switzerland

  • Anonymous

    I have enjoyed reading everyone’s experiences.  Prioritization is huge but honestly, sometimes it is even  hard to really know what is most important because I, like others here, tend to spread myself too thin.  My ideas tend to be too grandiose and complicated.  Gotta avoid that. 
    Then too, it is a matter of discipline and being honest with oneself.   Yes, I really need social time, exercise time, relaxation time, and cooking time.  In the past I was such an intense workaholic that everything else in life shut down.  It was driving me to an early grave.  But, that does not mean I need to spend half the day walking the dog and fussing over my homemade health foods.  Balance.  Thanks.   

  • Anonymous

    For about 15 years, I’ve used the Franklin-Covey system for time management. It works very well for me & has become a part of my daily life.

    Like everyone, I sometimes have unexpected things come up in life that weren’t on the schedule. Still, what I really struggle with, though, is procrastination. Sometimes a can lose an hour a day by not getting started on my list as soon as possible.

    Turning the items on your to-do list into appointments and scheduling them throughout the day is one way to not only clear off to-do’s, it commits you to a schedule and blocks out time for your tasks. Since many of us use an electronic calendar and/or task list now, this method also makes it easy to set alarms or reminders for those “scheduled tasks”.

  • Frank Daley

    Helleuva good start Dushan!

  • http://thedaleypost.com Frank Daley

    Cole, I used to think procrastination was a function of time management. No longer. Of course, time management is a factor in procrastination but the elemental factor is Self-knowledge (which leads to self-management, which leads to reducing procrastination). 
    If you know yourself well you will not be as susceptible to P. because you will have the inner knowledge-guidance -to tell you what is important and what not so important and you will make time and task decisions more effectively.

  • http://www.adsyou.com/ شقق للبيع في الاردن

    I like Steven Covey’s stuff and John Maxwell’s stuff.  I blend the two
    together and make some pretty good progress without dwelling too much on
    the stuff that “doesn’t matter.”