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How to Leverage Time for Success

Advice From a Mentor Who's Been There

If there’s one truth I’ve learned over decades of working with entrepreneurs, it’s this: Time is either your greatest asset or your quietest thief.

The funny thing though, is that every one of us gets the same 24 hours. The difference isn’t how much time you have—it’s how you leverage it.

If you’re building a business, chasing a vision, or simply tired of spinning your wheels, let me offer you a mentor’s perspective on how to stop managing time and start using it like the powerful tool it is.

My first advice learn to deal with the eternal need to prioritize what is most important.  Take things in order of importance, and get them done one-by-one.  If interrupted, either solve it quickly by delegation or let them know that you’ll deal with it shortly.  Then add the task to your list. 

You must know that you might not get everything on your list done.  Again, delegate tasks that others can do, and stop thinking that no one else can do things as well as you.  Some things will simply roll over into tomorrows list of things to do

When it comes to priorities, shift your thoughts from urgency to the impact or real value of what this task will accomplish.  Long hours may be required, but time is a non-fungible commodity.  So, the other issue is getting more things done in less time. 

Ask, whose chore is this?  Is someone asking you to do something they should do, or learn how to do?  There is a discipline of not picking up chores for others because you may have better skills or more tools. 

Learn to say “No” more often, but in a way that keeps the burden in that person.  People can b become dependent on others and struggle in their own disabilities or failing mindset. 

Instead of just saying no, learn to "Redirect" the person or demand to something they can do that may be the first step in solving the problem on their own.  So, I might say, "Look, I'm dealing with a ton of issues right now, but let me give you something to do that will help you solve this on your own.  (Make a suggestion, and have them write down the steps)  Do this, and if you are still  having a problem, let me know, and we will pull some people into the task to help you solve this.  Does that sound okay?