Most of us complain bitterly about time, or more specifically the lack of time. It does feel like every year there are more things to pack into a day, more distractions, more demands and more jobs to get done as deadlines loom. I was listening to a series of online interviews recently where a number of leading entrepreneurs shared some of their best tips about not just getting things done, but also having a greater sense of achievement at the end of the day. One piece of advice that resonated with me was to learn how to use the 5 minute gaps in our daily schedule really, really well.
I like to think of these gaps as a “5 Minute Opportunity Window”. Now at first this appears like such a simple concept, yet like most of the best concepts the simple ones are the most powerful. The reality is that most of us think that we can’t get much done in five minutes, whereas perhaps we can get more done than we think if we know how.
The key is to work to a few guidelines –
Keep a list handy of the types of things you can get done in five minutes, just to jog your memory. Have things that you can do in the office, on the road, before a meeting, on a bus, whatever situations you may find yourself in, on a daily basis where you look at your watch and say “I have 5 minutes to spare….what will I do?”
Be disciplined, stick to five minutes, don’t let these tasks become distractions, remember this about using time well as opposed to putting other things off only to have to do them later.
If you work to a “to do list” during your day, keep a column for “things to do if I get a 5 minute window”.
Get into the routine of looking at a 5 minute gap in your schedule as an opportunity or bonus.
Remember doing things that are good for your soul is just as valid as doing things that are good for your business in these five minute windows.
I have often promoted SUCCESS Magazine in my Business Bullets. I believe that it is an exceptional resource for any business owner, manager or entrepreneur. Each month there is a section in the magazine which actually promotes a list of things that you can do in five minutes or less. Some of the things I have learned to do in my “5 Minute Opportunity Windows” are –
Return a call (but I let the caller know I only have a 5 minute window of opportunity to talk).
Return an email (making sure I don’t get distracted and taken away from my next task at hand).
Stand up and do some stretching and get a glass of water.
Read a section of whatever book I am reading at the time.
Tidy up my desk and file what needs to be filed.
Do some writing – write a page a day and you have a book. It is surprising how quickly you can write a page.
Write a card (I keep cards handy for just this occasion – thank you’s, birthdays etc).
Read through your goals and plans for the year – it’s always good to check in on these
Update your “Success Board” – what have you achieved recently that needs to go on the board?
Go outside, take some deep breaths, water a plant, think about something that needs some thought.
It is amazing how getting these extra things done in a day can make you feel. Not only is the day more enjoyable overall but you also feel a much greater sense of achievement, which helps to ease the frazzled feeling that most of us have by about 5 or 6 o’clock.
I believe that the more we are able to self manage every aspect of our life, the greater the rewards we will enjoy. So good luck to you and I hope you become better able to take full advantage of the “5 Minute Opportunity Windows” in your day.
Till next time,
Andrew
A few brief updates…..
COMING SOON – The Small Business Academy of Success
This is a project that I have been working on for the last 6 months and it is very unique. For the first time ever I am going to offer an online membership programme specifically designed for Small Business owners. I have done a pile of research, come up with what I think is a winning formula and I am already getting people lining up to join. Watch this space for more information very soon.
Becoming a Key Person of Influence
Next week there is a major event happening in Melbourne, called “Becoming a Key Person of Influence”. It is the brainchild of Daniel Priestly, a very innovative man whose book, of the same title, has now become a bestseller in the UK. Daniel has been working on this event for two years and he has made it very successful in London, now he is bringing it to Australia. One of the key elements is the power of publishing and I will be presenting my thoughts on how we can use publishing to become a Key Person of Influence – FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE
ENTREPRENEURS IN PARADISE – SUPER SPECIAL OFFER
Everyone who participates in this 2 day retreat will receive a $1,200 business building tool absolutely FREE. Book before the end of May and save a $100. FOR MORE INFORMATION
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTERS BOOTCAMP
We only have about 5 spaces left for the next Professional Presenters Bootcamp on June 9th in Cairns, so if this is on your list of things to do this year, get in soon as we limit numbers on this full day workshop. CLICK HERE. I have also just posted a short video on my blog about the Bootcamp – check it out if you get a moment – AG VIDEO.
ONLINE SHOP
My online shop is coming very soon. This will be a great resource for entrepreneurs to be able to buy downloadable e books, business building audio files and much more.
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