Have you ever thought to yourself that there aren’t enough hours in the day, or felt overwhelmed at the tasks facing you? Ever felt like you don’t have time to fit in running, let alone strength training and stretching? If you have, this article can help you!

Clarify your goals and strategy

Be very clear about your aims and ambitions, both short and long term. Write them down. Once you know what you really want to achieve (and why) it’s easier to make decisions about what needs doing, and to plan accordingly.

Focus on your top priorities

You’ll be more productive and profitable if you identify and focus on the areas most important to you and your life. Work on the fundamentals first. The Latin word ‘fundamentum’ means foundation – so take action, build strong foundations and the rest should follow.

Schedule time

Literally write an appointment in your planner (you do have one of those, don’t you? It can even be on your phone) to set aside a realistic block of time for your priority actions, such as your daily run. This reduces anxiety over not having enough time and keeps you focused.

Say no!

Consider Jim Rohn’s suggestion. “Learn how to say no. Don't let your mouth overload your back.” Always check your schedule before committing to anything new. Don’t allow others to divert you from your objectives.

Create supportive systems

This includes systems for filing, management information and communication when at work. And it includes finding who will support you in your running journey.

Take a reality check

Will your current activity have a positive outcome, or are you doing it to avoid something else? Ask yourself – will doing this take me towards my goal? As Peter F Drucker observed “There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.”

Delegate!

It’s tempting to do something yourself when you think you can do it faster and better. But consider the long term – delegation now will save time in the future, allowing you time for the things you really want to do (like run!!)

Repeat your success

Remember the last time you went away on holiday, and how you got so much done in those few days before you left? What strategies and techniques did you employ that made you so effective and focused? Can you repeat them? Alternatively, imagine you are going away tomorrow and work through today accordingly.

Balance your life

Formally schedule social activities too, so you make time for family, friends, and fun because having a balanced life reduces stress and increases energy levels. Time management is really about life management!



End the day

At the end of the day, make notes about what needs doing tomorrow and prioritise those tasks. You’ll worry less that evening and be prepared and focused the next morning