Unfortunately, we have yet to figure out a way to create more time, which means that learning to manage time is the only efficient solution. Implementing effective time management skills can have a very profound effect on not only the success of a business, but also on a business owner’s own well-being; however, before you can begin to manage time, you must first understand what time is. A dictionary defines time as “the point or period at which things occur.” Put simply, time is when things happen. You must also be able to differentiate between the two types of time: clock time and real time. In clock time, all time passes equally as there are exactly 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day, and 365 days in a year. In contrast, all time in real time is relative. Real time can fly by or drag on, depending on what you are doing.
When it comes to managing time, clock time is irrelevant. We live in real time, which is entirely mental and, therefore, completely manageable. Below are a few simple tips that will improve time management skills and business operations, while adding some much needed stress relief:

Map Your Time – Before you do anything else, you need to track where you spend your time for a few days. Each day, list every task and the total amount of time spent on each task. This will show you how much time is being spent in the wrong areas and will give you a clear picture of what you need to do to become more productive.
Set Goals – Although this might feel like a no-brainer, setting goals and creating detailed timelines associated with them is imperative to successful time management. Several studies have shown that people who write down their goals are more likely to reach them, so jot down both short- and long-term goals and refer to them often to gauge progress. It is also helpful to communicate business goals with employees to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working together to conquer set goals.
Manage Your Schedule – When you plan your schedule in advance, you will be much more effective and productive. Spa owners typically wear many hats, so it is especially important to schedule specific time blocks or certain days to do certain jobs, focusing solely on that job. This will allow you to complete the task faster without procrastination. There are many information communication management programs that prove to be a helpful and easy tool for constructing schedules and managing time.
Plan and Prioritize Your Day – Take the first 30 minutes of each day to plan out your day. Create to-do lists that cover both your professional and personal commitments and then rank each task by importance. Do not go beyond the day’s work when creating the list and be sure to set reasonable goals. Schedule time for interruptions, as well as time for rest and relaxation, so you can ensure that you will stay on top of time. It is also important to take into account your most productive time of day and plan the most demanding tasks for that timeframe. Do not start your day until you complete your daily time plan and to-do list.
Cut Distractions – E-mail and social media are two of the biggest time drainers and while it is important to check both in order to stay in touch with vendors and clients, it is not necessary to do so every few minutes. Turn off new message notifications; instead, schedule times each day to answer e-mails and respond to comments on social media platforms. If temporarily ignoring e-mails makes you anxious, set up an automated e-mail response, letting customers know that you will respond to their message within a certain timeframe.Learn to Delegate – As a business owner, you will be tempted to try to do it all yourself, but the truth is you cannot. Instead, hire skilled staff, both business and spa professionals, to handle the day-to-day work. Teach employees to take action and make decisions within the boundaries of their positions and make sure they are effectively prepared and trained for the tasks at hand. This will allow you to confidently delegate responsibilities so that you can devote yourself to initiatives that can help the business grow and generate profit.
Say No – In order to be successful, you must master the gentle art of saying no to things that are not a priority. You only have 24 hours in a day and if you have trouble saying no to things that are not important, other peoples’ priorities will precede your own. Whether you are dealing with a needy employee or a difficult customer, saying no allows you to put time to good use and protect yourself from rushed work, poor performance, dissatisfied customers, and work overload.
The reality is that time is easy to waste, but by taking these tips and implementing them into your everyday life, you can make the best use of your time, while increasing your happiness and your business’ bottom line.

Lauren Balukonis serves as an account executive within the beauty division at 5W Public Relations, working with both entrepreneurs and established brands. Her extensive media relationships have allowed her to secure top tier features and profiles for her clients on a consistent basis. Prior to joining 5W Public Relations, Balukonis worked for a boutique Miami public relations agency that specialized in luxury lifestyle brands. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations and psychology from The University of Miami.