Guest Post by Lisa Sitwell

Every business owner should utilize a planner for adequate time and stress management. How many times a day does a random incomplete task cross your mind? Do you stop to remind yourself to remember to complete it later? Those thoughts are interrupting the job at hand, causing a lack of concentration, poor time management, and stress. A successful business owner follows a preset plan, making efficient use of time, avoiding stress, and having time left for their families. Let’s talk about three reasons you should own a planner.

It Eases Your Worries

A well-structured planner ensures that the most urgent tasks are completed when they need to be. It provides an outline for your day, keeping you in between the lines and on task, easing your worry about forgetting something crucial or not having enough time. You should include all professional and personal duties that need to be completed for the day so that your business doesn’t interfere with your own life.

It Ups Your Productivity

If you have scheduled your day in advance, you are going to increase your productivity. Let’s look at some ways you can use a planner to increase productivity and build your business. For instance, leads are a vital component of growing and getting your product or service in the hands of paying customers. Many things can interrupt lead time, and a planner can help you track down problems. Set aside specific times each day to work on leads and follow-ups. Note any instances that interrupt lead time so you can pinpoint any issues and move follow-ups immediately to when the follow up is expected.

C.R.A.Z.Y. Goals and Action Plans

If you are a small business owner or are planning to be and have not set C.R.A.Z.Y. business goals, then you need to add that to the top of your to-do list now. Successful small businesses have outlined their Clear, Realistic, Accountable, Zippy, Yahoo (C.R.A.Z.Y.) goals. Look at some examples of what specific versus broad goals are and then create your goals inside your planner. Now that you have your goals, it’s time to create an action plan for time management. An action plan is more in-depth than a traditional to-do list and will track the goals that you set. The 3-dimensional model of time management teaches you how to set your plan for optimal time and stress management.

Spend the time now perfecting and creating your plan for success. Use an actual planner so that it is always in eyesight and take it everywhere you go. Right away, you will see the difference in your time and stress management, and you will have plenty of time left for a personal life.

Ready to make and meet your goals? Get a planner that will help you get the job done!