Feel like a headless chicken?

You can see the income, the opportunities and the chance to develop your business. However becoming overcommitted has its dangers. Not least the fact that you soon find yourself running round like a headless chicken.

Here are five ways to get things back on track when you’ve taken on too much:

Don’t panic

Panic deprives you of objectivity, focus and eventually your sanity. If panic strikes, breathe deeply, step away from the work and take time out to do something you find relaxing. I go to the gym to collect my thoughts; you might prefer something less hectic!

Prioritise

You know of course that 20% of our work delivers 80% of the profit. Work out what is most important to you and do that first. Discard work that actually delivers you nothing but grief.

Stretch deadlines

Check out when things really have to be completed by. Negotiate stretched deadlines where you need to. Remember that changing the plan might not be popular!

Delegate

Do you need to do everything yourself? Delegate what you can, to colleagues or trusted associates. I often break large jobs down into separate tasks and delegate those. I always make sure it’s me that puts the final package together, checks it and presents to the customer.

Get your sleep

Working through the night might help you meet one deadline, but it’ll probably render you useless for the rest of the week. Be disciplined about your working day. Sleep, food and exercise are vital if you’re to maintain the pace

Of course too much work can also mean it’s time to take on more staff to help you. Or that you can afford to put up your prices and make more money from less work. Work out why you’ve become so popular and respond to the longer term opportunities this presents.

There's more sound advice in the members only section - why not see for yourself?

Previous | Next