Time is Your Greatest Asset – When Used Wisely

Written by LiveLink
February 5th 2025

Time is Your Greatest Asset – But Only If You Use It Wisely

When you’re running a business, time often feels like it’s in short supply. There are never enough hours in the day to get everything done, and before you know it, you’re pulling 15-hour shifts, barely seeing your family, and wondering if this is really what you signed up for. Sound familiar?

But here’s the thing: it’s not just about having more time. It’s about how you use the time you have. A scattered, unfocused 10-hour workday isn’t as valuable as a structured, focused five-hour one. The trick isn’t to find more hours; it’s to make the hours you have work harder for you.

Why Focussed Time is the Key to Growth

The difference between a successful business owner and one who is constantly overwhelmed isn’t necessarily their skillset or their resources – it’s their ability to focus. Focussed time is the powerhouse behind productivity. It’s what allows you to make strategic decisions, complete tasks efficiently, and, most importantly, grow your business without burning yourself out.

If you’re always jumping from one task to another, checking emails every five minutes, or getting lost in social media rabbit holes, you’re diluting your effectiveness. True productivity isn’t about being busy; it’s about being effective. And effectiveness comes from focus.

Methods to Improve Focus and Reduce Procrastination

We all struggle with focus at times, especially when working on challenging or less appealing tasks. Here are some tried-and-tested methods to sharpen your attention and get things done:

1. The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Method is a simple but powerful way to maintain focus. You set a timer for 25 minutes and work without interruptions, then take a five-minute break. After four cycles, you take a longer break.

Why does it work? Because our brains aren’t designed to concentrate for hours at a time. Short bursts of focus prevent fatigue and help you push past procrastination. If 25 minutes feels too short or too long, adjust the timing to suit your style.

2. Time Blocking

This method involves scheduling specific blocks of time for different types of work. Instead of drifting between tasks, you dedicate set hours to deep work, meetings, admin, or creative thinking.

By structuring your day in advance, you avoid decision fatigue and ensure you have uninterrupted time to tackle important work without distraction.

3. The 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle)

The Pareto Principle states that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. The key is identifying which tasks contribute the most to your business growth and prioritising those.

If answering emails, handling minor admin tasks, or engaging in unnecessary meetings are eating up most of your day, it’s time to reassess where your time is going. Focus on high-impact activities that drive revenue and long-term success.

4. Eliminate Distractions

It sounds obvious, but how often do you sit down to work only to be interrupted by notifications, phone calls, or even your own wandering mind? Creating an environment conducive to deep work is crucial.

• Put your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ or leave it in another room.
• Close unnecessary tabs on your computer.
• Use noise-cancelling headphones or work in a quiet space.
• Communicate clear boundaries with your team or family when you’re in focus mode.

5. Eat the Frog

A phrase made famous by Brian Tracy, this method encourages you to tackle your biggest, most challenging task first thing in the day. Instead of procrastinating, you get it done and free up mental space for the rest of your to-do list.

6. Accountability & Commitment

If you struggle to stay on track, having someone to keep you accountable can be a game-changer. This could be a business coach, mentor, or even a peer who checks in on your progress.

Publicly committing to goals also increases your likelihood of following through. Whether it’s telling your team about a deadline or posting your goals online, external accountability can drive action.

The Power of One Focused Hour Per Day

Here’s where the magic happens: dedicating just one hour a day to focused work on your business can yield massive results over time. Imagine spending one solid, uninterrupted hour each day working on strategic tasks like marketing, process improvements, or new revenue streams. That’s 365 hours a year – or the equivalent of over nine 40-hour work weeks!

Think about what you could achieve in that time. You could refine your marketing strategy, build scalable systems, nurture high-value clients, or launch a new product. The key is to be intentional about this time and treat it as non-negotiable.

Work Smarter, Not Longer

Working longer hours won’t necessarily make you more successful – it will just make you more exhausted. The goal isn’t to spend more time working; it’s to use your time effectively so you can reclaim your life.

By shifting your mindset and prioritising focused work, you can:

• Grow your business more efficiently – Strategic, high-value work leads to better outcomes than scattered effort.
• Reduce stress and burnout – A structured approach to time management keeps overwhelm at bay.
• Spend more time with family – You didn’t start your business to be a slave to it.
• Enjoy more freedom – Whether it’s travelling, hobbies, or just having time to think, a well-run business should support your lifestyle, not consume it.

Your time is your most valuable asset, but only if you use it wisely. By focusing on high-impact work, eliminating distractions, and making the most of structured time management methods, you can build a thriving business without sacrificing your personal life.

So, where will you start? Try setting aside one focused hour each day and watch how your productivity – and your business – transforms over time.