How to unlock extra hours in your day (without burning out)

Aside from good health, time is arguably the most precious resource we have. We can’t buy more of it and I expect no one feels that more than a small business owner who’s wearing every hat in the business (CEO, Social Media Manager, Head of Operations, Finance Director, Tech Support, Chief Tea Maker… ) while also wearing every hat at home! When every second counts, mastering time management isn't just a skill — it's a necessity. Yet according to career experts Zippia, 82% of people don’t have a time management system in place at all and the average working person spends just over half of every work day on low or no value tasks*. Just imagine the difference that could make to your business if you recalibrated. That's why I'm excited to share the top techniques I’ve learnt over the years to help you navigate the complexities of efficient entrepreneurship without succumbing to burnout.
 

It pays to stop and take stock

Now I don’t mind admitting that in the past, I had a bit of a ‘just keep swimming’ mentality, which in some areas of life can be a powerful tool in getting you through. Yet wearing the inherent busyness of being a female founder like a badge of honour can be very damaging — to yourself, to your business and to anyone following in your footsteps. I’m happy to say there is a better way — a way to get more done and still have the energy and headspace to live your life, too. In fact, I truly believe that the more you make time to do the things you love, the more energy you’ll have to build a business doing what you love. Of course, there is no silver bullet and I still find myself hyperventilating at times — but I’ve really found that the following tips have helped me immeasurably and I hope they help you, too.
 

Don’t be a busy fool

Being a ‘busy fool’ is a trap that many entrepreneurs fall into (including me in the past!). It’s a state where one appears to be constantly ‘doing’ but failing to achieve meaningful progress or results. While it may seem productive on the surface, being constantly on the go can ultimately lead to burnout, inefficiency and huge dissatisfaction. It's essential to recognise that busyness does not always equal productivity. Instead of spreading yourself too thin and chasing endless tasks, focus on activities that align with your overall goals and priorities. By practising ruthless prioritisation, time blocking (which I’ll come onto in a moment) and delegation, you can avoid the pitfalls of busyness and cultivate a more purposeful and fulfilling approach to work and life. Remember, it's not about being busy — it's about being productive.
 

Embrace the power of prioritisation

Five words that can change your life? You can’t do it all. However, not all tasks are created equal. Begin each day by identifying your top priorities — the tasks that will make the greatest difference to your business when complete. Focus your time and energy on these key objectives, and don't hesitate to delegate or defer less critical tasks to make this possible. Use services that will make your life easier, for example Royal Mail’s Parcel Collect service means posties will come and collect your orders from your home or business and send them for you. By prioritising ruthlessly and outsourcing where you can, you'll ensure that your efforts are aligned with your business goals.

• Ask yourself, “What will move the ship forward today?” and make that your focus
• Find ways to become more efficient 
• Enjoy ‘tickulation’ — the word we use at Holly & Co to sum up that deliciously energising feeling of crossing things off your to-do list
   

Learn to say ‘no’

As entrepreneurs, we're often tempted to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity that comes our way. However, overcommitting can lead to burnout and really decrease productivity. Practise the art of saying ‘no’ — prioritise opportunities that tap into what you ultimately want to achieve, and politely decline those that don't. By setting boundaries and managing expectations, you'll preserve your sanity (and energy) and pave the way for success.
 

Swap multi-tasking for mono-tasking

It might seem counterintuitive but you’ll get more done if you focus on one thing before the next. Instead of spreading your attention across multiple tasks simultaneously, mono-tasking requires you to dedicate your full focus to one at a time. This approach allows you to delve deeper into each, maintain better concentration and produce more high quality results. By mono-tasking, you can reduce the cognitive load associated with task-switching and minimise distractions, ultimately leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness in your work. Again, it’s remaining focused on the bigger picture that will make all the difference.
  

Master the art of time blocking

Time blocking is a game-changer for busy entrepreneurs. It’s where you allocate dedicated blocks of time for specific tasks or activities, whether it's responding to emails, working on projects or managing social media, for example. By segmenting your day into focused time slots, you'll minimise distractions and maximise productivity. Remember, time is a finite resource — use it wisely.
 

Harness the power of automation

In today's digital age, automation is your greatest ally. Leverage technology to streamline repetitive tasks such as email marketing, invoicing or social media scheduling. Royal Mail’s shipping solutions integrate with the most popular online stores and support multiple accounts to save you valuable time and ensure seamless operations, freeing up headspace for strategic and creative thinking — the good stuff, the stuff that only you can do, so remember to search out solutions like these to free up more time.
 

Cultivate self-care as a non-negotiable

Amidst the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship, self-care often takes a backseat. However, prioritising your well-being is probably one of the most important ways to help yourself and your business long term. Schedule regular breaks throughout your day to recharge. Whether it's a brisk walk, a breathing session or simply enjoying a cup of tea, nurturing your mental and physical health is integral to a happy life and the success of your business. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. This isn’t wasting time, it’s powering up.

Ultimately, time is one of our most precious resources, and how we choose to use it will define our path to success. By mastering time management techniques and embracing efficiency, you're more likely to avoid burnout, and even unlock new levels of productivity and happiness in both your business and personal life along the way. Here's to working smarter, not harder.
 

Source: *Zippia Career Research