The Art of Time Management in My Entrepreneurial Success
As a wine shop owner, I’ve grappled with the universal challenge of time management. The familiar refrain, “I need to manage my time better. It is all over the place,” Echoes in the minds of many entrepreneurs who juggle multiple roles and responsibilities daily.
In those early days of running my shop, my day would start with admin work, bookkeeping, creating content, and even personal errands. I quickly realized that using the right time management tools could make a huge difference.
I stumbled upon a tool called Motion, and let me tell you, it was a relief. “I’ve been looking around at some product management time management apps, and I found this one called Motion…” It’s been a game-changer for automating and streamlining tasks, which helps me feel more in control and focus on the bigger picture.
But it’s not just about finding the right tools. It’s also about setting boundaries and knowing when to say no. I’ve had to learn this the hard way. “It is crazy how much people ask for donations or your time…” I get it—everyone’s just doing their job, but you have to prioritize at some point.
Saying no to things that don’t serve my business allows me to spend time on what matters. I often remind myself, “Going back to time management, I have better things to do with my time.”
Embracing Mistakes as Stepping Stones to Improvement
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the transformative power of mistakes. I firmly believe that “It’s okay to screw up.” Each mistake is a stepping stone to improvement, and I’ve come to see challenges in a new, enlightening light.
For example, I needed help figuring out my bookkeeping process. “This damn chart of accounts for bookkeeping… I’ve entered the data three times to find a more efficient way…” But each time I messed up, I got better. It’s all part of the process.
It reminds me of my early bartending days: “When I first started making cocktails 14, 13 years ago, I screwed up a lot, but I learned from it.” Mistakes don’t hold you back; they push you forward and make you sharper, more resilient, and open to learning.
Running a business is more than just about finances and operations. It’s about understanding the crucial role of self-care in sustaining my Passion. “Take care of myself “has become a mantra for me, a constant reminder of the need for balance.
Running a business is about so much more than finances and operations. I’ve realized how essential it is to take care of myself—both mentally and physically. “Take care of myself” has become a mantra for me, and I have to remind myself of it constantly.
I’ve started to focus more on physical activity. “I need to start doing some physical activity that’s not just walking around all day at the wine shop.” Physical exercise isn’t just good for the body—it clears my mind and helps me stay productive.
Sleep is another big one. “I’ve always had an issue with sleep, usually getting four to five hours and then waking up…” I’m actively working on it because being well-rested makes all the difference in how I approach each day.
And let’s not forget about balance. “Honestly, at the end of the day now, I have skin in the game. This is my place. I don’t need to be hungover every morning.” Moderation is essential; caring for my health has helped me stay sharp and focused.
Self-care has translated directly into better business decisions, more creativity, and more vital problem-solving skills. It’s all about maintaining that passion and energy for the long haul.
So, remember, taking care of yourself isn’t just a personal matter, it’s a professional one too. It can directly impact your business decisions, your creativity, and your problem-solving skills.
My Entrepreneurial Insights
Over the last three months, I’ve learned a ton running my wine shop. “I fucking love this,” I say with all my heart because, despite the challenges, it’s been incredibly fulfilling.
Here’s what I’ve picked up along the way:
1. Time Management: Using tools like Motion and setting clear boundaries has helped me manage my time more effectively.
2. Embracing Mistakes: I’ve learned to see errors, especially with tasks like bookkeeping, as opportunities to improve and get better.
3. Self-Care: Staying physically fit, paying attention to mental health, and practicing moderation have energized and driven me.
My journey reflects what every entrepreneur goes through: the ups, the downs, and the constant growth. If anything, I hope my experiences can inspire others on their own entrepreneurial paths.
Don’t forget to subscribe to The Carl Busch Diaries podcast for more raw insights, lessons, and real talk about the hustle of running a business. Thanks for tuning in!