Submitted by: JK Harris

If there is one thing most entrepreneurs can agree on, it’s that time is our most valuable asset. It’s a non-renewable resource, because once time has passed, it’s gone and there’s no getting it back. That’s why articles, books, and courses on time management are so popular—we have a lot to do and we don’t want to waste a minute.

But the phrase time management is a misnomer. You cannot manage time; time simply is. What you can manage is yourself and how you use the time you have. High achieving entrepreneur apply these strategies to use their time well:

• Set clear, specific, measurable goals. Know what you want to accomplish and when you expect to do it.

• Develop detailed plans. Know exactly what you have to do to accomplish your goals and leave nothing to chance.

• Make and prioritize daily task lists. Know exactly what tasks you need to perform each day and which tasks are most important; refuse to do anything that is not on your list. When you are organized, you’ll get more done.

• Concentrate on one thing at a time. This is especially challenging for entrepreneurs with ADD-type personalities—they tend to jump from one thing to another or they try to multi-task. But if you focus on one thing at a time until it is completed, then move on to the next task, you’ll get more done in less time.

• Develop a sense of urgency. Do not procrastinate; when something needs to be done, do it.

• Do what is the most valuable use of your time. Anything else is a waste of time.

• Build a team you can trust and delegate. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Surround yourself with talented, motivated people and then get out of their way.

• Spend time with yourself, your family, your friends, and on rest and recreation. Don’t work every waking minute—there’s so much more to life than that.