Time Management
How well are you managing your time? Some of you are realists and manage your time very well. You know exactly how much time it takes to get your duties done and even know how to account for your personal time in that equation, while others aren’t as lucky. Some of you may think “Time Management? What time!?” Sometimes I think that’s the category I fit into. There never seems to be enough time in the day for me to get done all that I set out to do. The difference however is that I am a realist as well and I do try to account for JUST the right amount of time.
I am known to never be early and never be late – but I get everything done JUST IN THE NICK OF TIME!
Breaking myself into three careers isn’t easy. I feel that I am a full-time Voice Talent/Business Owner, Full time Coach and Full time Mom/Spouse/Grandma, so I tend to spread myself pretty thin. Not to mention I have some big goals yet to accomplish. It’s so important you see where you want to go and try and plan out exactly what is required in both time and money to accomplish it.
I got so busy that I just wasn’t able to keep up and hiring an assistant was my only hope. I was blessed when what I needed presented itself to me and now I’m able to manage my time much better. How much is your time worth to you? How are you best spending your time?
It’s frustrating to watch talent have goals but do nothing with their time to achieve them. We all have circumstances that change our time management and daily routines, but much like the dreaded workout at the gym, if you don’t keep at it, you will never grow. This is one industry where complacency can be your enemy.
I want you to set out a realistic schedule for yourself and start recording your time spent on your craft. If you are devoting FULL TIME HOURS to this – then you will start seeing full time results, but if you’re only putting in an hour here and an hour there, that isn’t commitment, that’s a hobby and most of us don’t make money at our hobbies.
It’s so easy to make up excuses, so as we approach a new year, I encourage you to approach your train of thought in a productive direction, but then you have to stick to the plan you set out to achieve. I truly believe there is power in writing out your goals and your schedule. I myself work best under a written schedule.
Here are some things I want you to consider for your schedule.
How much time is spent PER DAY doing the following:
• Vocal and Physical Exercise
• Auditioning
• Editing
• Educating
• Research
• Invoicing
• Following up
• Effective Marketing
• Social Networking (A time sucker)
• Family Time Friend Time
• Me Time
As you can see there isn’t enough time in the day to do ALL of these things, but when you run your own business, you don’t have a choice.
Here are some things to consider when trying to make time.
How much time is spent PER DAY doing the following:
• Social Networking (use this for business so that you are getting something back)
• Watching TV
• Listening to Music
• Drinking Coffee
• Smoking
• Driving
• Sleeping
• Eating
• Complaining
• Procrastinating
• Playing Games
• Cleaning
• Taking Care of Family
• Working
As you can see some of the things on this list are unavoidable, but if you actually monitor your days and write out exactly how much time is spent in each area of your day – you may be able to find time.
If all else fails you HIRE someone to help you achieve your goals and needs. There are so many things in this list that someone else can do for you. The problem is you A) Don’t have the money or B) Want to take on everything yourself to prove a point. The only point you have to prove is to succeed and show you are worth the time and investment it takes to succeed.
I couldn’t afford the time or the money to make this career happen, but I knew it wasn’t going to do it itself. So I set out a schedule and a goal plan and I’ve been following it and adapting it every since.
How much is your time worth to you? Remember not to overload yourself either. Set realistic goals for yourself so that you don’t burn out. While you may be gifted to be all things to all people, until you take care of you – you will only let others down. Take care of your needs first. Set boundaries for yourself and your support team so that you can realistically devote the time and effort you need to creating the best you that you can create.
Until Next time,
All my best
Vo Chef Deb