Efficiency. It’s something we all wish to have, but forget about especially when we’re too busy with what’s currently on our plate. Well, it’s time to consider your priorities and put this in the spotlight. Being efficient means you’re using your time wisely. You’re accomplishing more, plus you’ll also have more time for yourself. So where should you start? You need to learn how to become more organised!

Any business owner should acquire this life skill because it’s crucial to success. We’re more focused when we’re organised. Without chaos and clutter, it’s easy to keep priorities straight and our systems streamlined. You know those days when you’re running around trying to finish multiple tasks, trying to chase deadlines? Screw those days. You won’t have to experience stress and panic on a daily basis if you know how to keep things in order.

But organising isn’t my strong suit. How am I going to do it?

Start working on your workspace. It’s the one thing you have full control over. Plus, it’s your hub… the central place where you deal with everything that’s in line with your business. Productivity can suffer if your environment isn’t as efficient as it’s supposed to be. To organise, you should:

• Purge ruthlessly. If it’s not necessary, it shouldn’t be on your desk. Too much clutter can be distracting, and it can keep you from finding what you need right away. A couple of knick-knacks to give your workspace some personality is fine, but limit your options to something that won’t sidetrack you.
• Keep your files properly organised. Invest in supplies that would make filing easier. Colour coordinate and label your folders. Replace outdated documents or store them all in one place.

Have lists. It’s fairly easy to forget what you need to do if you’re working on multiple projects or you’re overworked. Take some time to make a checklist every night so that you’ll be ready the next day. Enjoy the satisfaction you’ll feel as you tick off those tasks one by one. Don’t forget to take it easy though, and don’t overly pressure yourself into finishing everything because that shit would burn you out faster than a candle.

Use a calendar to organise your life. You have many choices when it comes to calendars, but you should only use one if you’re aiming for max efficiency. Like your files, colour coordinate if you’re tracking multiple schedules (business and personal for example). Use your calendar to jot down notes, and write them ahead of time. Make a note of what exactly needs to be done so you won’t have trouble remembering what the event is all about.

Set a goal of two for your business. You need to have goals so you’ll have something to anchor on aside from just surviving the next Financial Year. What would you like your business to accomplish in a year? How are you going to achieve these goals? It’s not just to inspire you, but having goals would ensure that month after month, you’re working on something that’s consistent with your vision.

Set an appointment with yourself once a week. Use this time to plan what you’re going to do throughout the week, and also to reflect and review the tasks you’ve worked on previously. Are you making enough progress? Are your projects still on schedule? This is the perfect time to come up with fresh ideas and formulate solutions for issues troubling your business.

Keep your mind organised by taking regular breaks. You misplace things when you’re tired and you’re likely to make mistakes too. If you want to be fully focused when working, schedule some relaxation time regularly to reset your brain.

Get some help! If you want to be more organised and efficient, you have to acknowledge when you needed some help. Think one task is eating too much of your time and it’s making you frustrated? Maybe you should hire a professional to work on it instead. You’ll be better off using your time on tasks that are suitable for your skill set.

If numbers and bookkeeping aren’t your strengths, contact Sandra of Tradie Bookkeeping Solutions today! Let me take over the bookwork so you can focus your time working on things you’re good at, and on projects that would make your business flourish.