Every Entrepreneur needs to set aside time for reading, researching and professional development. It is part of the job to stay on top of things or get left behind!
Many of entrepreneurs get chewed up with issues that are not productive or even on the to-do list! Does your day get filled with distractions and problems to solve? Does your Professional Development/Progress get put on the back burner all the time?
Many entrepreneurs, while driven to think about business 24/7, seem to allow for distractions and interruptions. Whether you work out of your home or in a small office, each day can be a challenge to fit everything in.
Amy Porterfield, former assistant to Tony Robbins, used the term ‘Tiger Time’ in one of her blogs recently, and I’ll expand on this term. It is time to take control of our precious time!
Time to think like a tiger!
Set aside the TIME YOU NEED and be
PROTECTIVE ABOUT IT!
Poor time management can be the root of many of our issues with productivity, procrastination, disorganization, and more. In feng shui we encourage a clean desk, organized files, specific colours and visuals to reap motivational energy. But, business people also need to plan to maintain the core foundation of the business. And, that takes time.
If you are a true entrepreneur with a cause and a passion, you’ll need to continue your own self development in order to stay on top of changing apps, new rules or codes, breaking news etc, ~ in order to be a front-runner in your business.
In many cases, you can do this right from your own computer! It is so easy to connect; be informed through webinars, on –line courses, look for reference materials and more. You’ll also need to monitor the competition.
To fit all this in, you‘ll need to be more protective of your time:
- Identify which time of day will be your ‘working window’. This is defined as the best time for productivity to connect with others: book appointments, follow-up, marketing, post things related to your business. This should be something already revolving around your client profile.
- Block off your ‘tiger time’ away from this ‘working window’. This time is for YOU and business development! Perhaps you already do this with tasks/chores such as making dinner, or going to the gym, but your business foundation also needs attention on a weekly or daily basis.
- Reinforce the significance of this time. Close the door, turn off your phone, and clear the desk. (Feng Shui logic: A clear desk promotes an invitation for fresh ideas to land.)
Whether you are writing a blog, trying to finish a course or listening to a replay of a related topic, you need to protect your time. The need for self-business development is as important as a sacred or spiritual practice to keep you grounded and thinking positive.
If scheduling an hour to listen to a recording or think creatively seems impossible, before giving up on it, remember that the outcome could be you missing that next step up in your business.
Be firm and be protective of this time or, it will get eaten up. No phone calls, no interviews, no assistants, kids or laundry.
Decide what is important for you, carve out the time and get to it! If you have to, pull out the claws and declare ‘no interruptions’!
Protecting your Tiger Time will reveal greater results down the road!
~Kathryn
About the Author, Kathryn Wilking
Kathryn of Kathryn Wilking Designs is a Professional Member of the International Feng Shui Guild, and Author, Teacher and Feng Shui Consultant and is available for innovative talks for workshops and Lunch 'n Learn programs.
Sign up to receive a FREE copy of her "Bucket or Chuck-it" PDF report as well as monthly tips on creating a healthy and happy environment at www.kathrynwilking.com
