Trail Blazin’ Time Management
Sometimes I wake up full of ambition and ready to take on the world. Then the phone rings and the neighbor stops in and before I know it, lunchtime has arrived and I’ve accomplished nothing. Instead of taking charge of my day, I realize my day has taken charge of me. Don’t become a procrastinator or an easily distracted person-instead become trailblazer. Here are some tips how:
Ride out Distractions and Focus on the Finish Line
Have you ever seen a racehorse speed to the head of the field, lead into the homestretch, then pull over to taste a succulent looking patch of grass on the side of the track? No, of course not!! Why-because racehorses are trained to focus on the finish line and if they aren’t able to learn this focus they don’t become racehorses.
Consider your day and strive to keep on track by focusing on the finish line. Distractions are everywhere! Text messages, phone calls, emails, TV, and the list goes on. If your sister calls right before feeding time with big news, give her a few minutes, but be upfront and tell her that’s all you have-a few minutes. Tell her you can call her back later, at the end of your workday, when you have more time to talk.
Another example-Let’s say later on in the morning you’re cleaning tack and your phone vibrates in your pocket. You pull it out and it’s a text from your friend. You text her back, put the phone back in your pocket and go back to conditioning your favorite bridle. Your phone vibrates again, you pull out your phone again and text back. Ten minutes later you realize you are still on the throatlatch.
Do you see how ineffective this is? If you’re right in the middle of a task-finish what you are doing! Realize the choices that we make day-to-day can define our lives. Focus on the finish line and designate a time during the day to reply to texts and emails-possibly over your lunch break. You will get more accomplished and this will improve every aspect of your business.
Prioritize, Set Goals and Keep a Schedule
It’s true, business used to be done on a word and a handshake, but today everything is computerized and digital. Change is good and change can help you manage your time. Keep a schedule on your computer and phone to track your time throughout the day and stick to your schedule as closely as possible. Make a list of tasks to complete during the day.
Tackle the largest ones early on when you have the most energy and cross them off your list as you go. Set both short term and long-term goals and write them down along with action steps to reach them.
Farm management software like LaRaedo can also help maximize your time and can be accessed on the go from your blackberry, iphone or other portable device. Utilizing the tools available to you will help you stay competitive in the market and maximize your time and your profit.
Be A Workhorse First And Then a Playful Pony
We’ve all heard the expression “work hard and play hard” and it’s something we should all do. No person’s life should be completely consumed with work and only work. This leads to cranky mares and stubborn irritated stallions (or people.)
Make time for your work and put your work first-completing all of it to the best of your ability. Then kick up your heels (or feet) and take a spin around the pasture (or living room.) When you finish your work first you will enjoy your recreational time more. People who allow themselves relaxation time are hands down more even tempered and well balanced. This type of attitude and work ethic will flow into your business and show, in both your happy customers and your profits.
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