Chances are, you’ve heard the term time management. And even bigger chances are, we know at least one person (including ourselves) that has said something along the lines of “If only I had more time!” We probably all understand the premise of time management, but sometimes we struggle with implementation. Easier said than done, as they say. And, if you are a small business owner, you are your own boss, so understanding time management is crucial.

Here’s the thing: time does not have to be a limitation. It is in your control and in a sense, you can create the time you need. So here’s what you need to know:

Rock Around the Clock

Not so much the Bill Haley song, but you can be far more aware of the “clock”, so to speak, if you make a schedule. And not a mental schedule. Actually make one. Type it up, write it out, spell it with ABC blocks, whatever works for you. Studies show that over 65% of us are visual learners, and we will remember more if we actually see the thing we need to remember. Not only that, but a written schedule allows you to see where you are truly allocating your time. Are your activities producing viable results? Where can you improve? Where can you give yourself a break? Once you master this, you really will be able to rock around the clock. Swing dancing included.

Step Away from the Email

Seriously. Stop it.

Yes, keeping up with your email is important. You need to communicate with your team, your customers, etc. But what you do not need is to be continuously interrupted by new messages. Instead, schedule 30 minutes for email only. Use this time to not only respond to messages, but to prioritize and flag emails in order of importance and relevant folders. That way, you free up more time for other activities and the important emails don’t get lost in the shuffle of things.

Put ‘Make a To Do List’ at the Top of Your To Do List

This is somewhat similar to writing out your schedule, but a schedule can include meetings, appointments, birthdays, etc. Your to do list is purely what you need to do. What you need to focus on. What goals do you want to accomplish? Daily tasks? A to do list also helps to optimize your time because you can see what’s important to you in very concise (but specific) terms. And hey, in this case, even a Post-It will suffice.

Take a Break

“But I’m too busy to take a break.” That might be an ingrained and somewhat automatic response that most of us go to. At this moment, this article is probably not your only window or tab open. I’d be willing to bet a stack of colorful Post-Its on it. But breaks actually make us more productive. There is such a thing as “being in the zone,” but sometimes, the zone comes to an end. You hit big, orange cones and become unfocused, frustrated, you know the drill. So here’s your chance – take a break. Especially if you find yourself stuck: on an idea, a post, a draft of an email, anything. Let your brain enter its diffuse mode (its relaxed state). Giving yourself 10 minutes here and there to let your mind wander can actually help spark new ideas. Including new swing dance moves.