Automation as a Time Saver! Part 2 - Scheduling

Have you ever said, “If it’s not in my calendar, it doesn’t happen!”?

What systems or processes do you use to schedule what’s most important to you? Are you staying on track most days, or do you usually feel overwhelmed? What are you hoping to put in place for the new year?

As I write this, I am struggling with the exact same thing I am about to write about (haha!): Getting (and staying!) focused in a largely unfocused world. Statistics on the number of hours wasted due to distraction are staggering. 

But no sense beating ourselves up (more than we already do). 

This is the second of three messages about how automating repeat tasks and processes can save us time-- truly our most precious resource.

Two weeks ago, I suggested a simple automation technique to save you time-- create and post a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to cut down on the amount of time you need to repeat the answers to common questions. These FAQs could be in written and/or video format on your website and training and sales materials as needed.

Today, I am offering a scheduling strategy called Time Blocking. Time Blocking requires planning and prioritizing your work in advance to 1. visually schedule time blocks in a calendar system (I like to use Google Calendar as well as Asana - viewable on my phone) and 2. group similar tasks, such as meetings or phone calls, to maximize focus and productivity.

In two weeks, I will be sharing time-saving tips on Content Creating and Scheduling to promote your products and services in 2022 and beyond. Stay tuned!

As the old expression says, “A stitch in time saves nine.” In other words, when we take a small amount of time to Plan our Work and then Work our Plan, it will save lots of time in the end. 

Do you think it would be possible for you to carve out 5-10 minutes each week (say Friday at noon or Sunday at 9pm) to identify your top projects for the upcoming week? What about 3 minutes at the end of each day to plan the next day?

Consider that planning actually relieves stress. You know the feeling when you can look at your phone (or computer) at the beginning of your work day and see exactly what your day looks like, hour by hour? You can say “Ahhhh!” with a peaceful inhalation rather than “Dohhhh! with a regret-filled shortness of breath. Which would you prefer when sipping your morning coffee?

As my dad always says, “Expect the unexpected in this life!” Yes, unexpected events will continue to occur, but you can minimize their impact when you schedule blocks of time that reflect your most important priorities… and then stick to the schedule ;)

To Your Success,

Amy

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