If you learn nothing else when studying the habits of effective entrepreneurs, make sure that you do your best to understand the importance of time management. Almost without exception, the really successful business person has this down to a fine art and ensures that the people surrounding him or her do also. Time management is not about doing things faster, but it is about the more productive use of that time. We all have exactly the same number of hours, minutes and seconds available in a day. The way we use that time is going to set us apart from the average.

Here are 20 top tips for time management:

1.Make sure that you know what your goals are. If you do not have this primary focus, how can you plan your activities?

2.Don’t waste time on non-productive matters. Once you know what is likely to get you results, focus only on these issues.

3.Make a list. Prioritize your tasks and itemize each step. Be concise, focus and make sure you reach your target.

4.Don’t be swayed. There will always be something small which could be classified as “urgent”. Maintain your focus on the big plan.

5.Schedule. Prioritize your larger activities and fit all the others around them as they are more flexible.

6.Plan each day. At the start of the day take a short amount of time to focus in on what you need to do. When you’ve done that, get working and don’t spend too much time planning!

7.Virtual help. There are a number of first-class time management programs and applications available, use these to your benefit.

8.Have some flexibility. Ensure that your schedule is not absolutely rigid and try and build in some time for the fun things in life.

9.Allow for education. You must always better yourself.

10.Consult for greater efficiency. Get expert help to consolidate your performance and efficiency.

11.Do it right the first time. Concentrate on doing a good job and avoid having to repeat your work.

12.Be honest. You have to ask yourself whether you are achieving your goals according to your plan. Don’t be afraid to change, if you are not.

13.Bite the bullet. It’s no secret that we are always looking for excuses not to complete the least pleasant tasks. Therefore, swallow hard and do these first, as if you keep putting them off, you will run out of time.

14.Act now. Always make decisions, implement them and never procrastinate.

15.Be on time. Never be late and make sure you instill this virtue upon your staff.

16.Make it easier. Don’t panic if you have a seemingly huge task in front of you, break it down into smaller pieces and it will seem more manageable.

17.Get help. Surround yourself with competent people – delegate and outsource as much as possible.

18.Be more efficient. Pace yourself and be effective in time management and be careful that you don’t stress yourself out.

19.Know yourself. None of us are superhuman and we must pay heed to what our body is telling us. Make sure that you maintain optimum efficiency to be the most productive.

20.Get a life! You must have balance. Don’t neglect family, friends or hobbies or you will end up asking yourself – just what is the point in all of this?

Don’t forget that you are focusing on time management so that you can be efficient – allowing you to enjoy your life as much as possible. Do you follow this mantra?

Adam Toren