Running a small business often feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Between emails, client meetings, marketing and managing operations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the secret to getting more done isn’t working harder—it’s working smarter.

If you’re constantly chasing deadlines or feeling stretched too thin, these five time management tips will help you regain control of your schedule and boost productivity.

1. Start Every Day with a Plan

Jumping into your day without a clear plan is a recipe for distraction and wasted time. Instead, take a few minutes each morning to set priorities.

How to Do It:

•  Write down your top three priorities for the day.
•  Use a time-blocking technique to assign time slots for each task.
•  Tackle your most important or difficult task first (before distractions creep in).

Pro Tip: Planning the night before can make your mornings more productive and stress-free.

2. Set Boundaries Around Your Time

Small business owners wear a lot of hats, but that doesn’t mean you have to be available 24/7. Without boundaries, interruptions will eat up your day.

How to Do It:

•  Set “office hours” for answering emails, taking calls and responding to messages.
•  Use an auto-responder to manage expectations (e.g., “I check emails between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.”).
•  Block out focus time where you turn off notifications and deep-dive into work.

Pro Tip: If meetings drain your time, try limiting them to specific days or setting a 30-minute cap.

3. Automate and Delegate Tasks

Not everything needs your personal attention. The more you automate or delegate, the more time you free up for high-impact work.

How to Do It:

•  Use automation tools for tasks like invoicing, scheduling and social media posting.
•  Delegate routine tasks to a virtual assistant, freelancer or team member.
•  Create systems and processes so tasks can be handled without constant oversight.

Pro Tip: If you struggle with delegation, start small. Hand off one repetitive task and see how much time you save.

4. Avoid Multitasking

Multitasking feels productive, but it actually slows you down. Constantly switching between tasks leads to mistakes and wasted time.

How to Stay Focused:

•  Work in focused sprints using the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work, 5-minute break).
•  Keep a “distraction list” to jot down random thoughts so they don’t derail you.
•  Tackle one task at a time before moving to the next.

Pro Tip: Turn off phone notifications and close unnecessary tabs to avoid temptation.

5. Take Breaks to Recharge

Working nonstop isn’t just exhausting—it’s counterproductive. Regular breaks help you stay energized and focused.

How to Make Breaks Work for You:

•  Step away from your desk for a quick walk, stretch or coffee break.
•  Use the 90-minute rule—work for 90 minutes, then take a break.
•  Schedule at least one full day off per week to reset.

Pro Tip: A tired brain is a slow brain. Taking breaks can actually help you get more done in less time.

Time is your most valuable resource. By planning ahead, setting boundaries, automating tasks, focusing on one thing at a time and taking breaks, you’ll be able to run your business more efficiently without burning out. If time management feels like a constant struggle, consider business coaching to help develop strategies that work for you.

Which of these tips will you try first? Let me know in the comments!