A New Angle on Time Management
By Casey Hanisko, Business Coach + Consultant
Photo by Andrik Langfield on Unsplash
Fitting it all in and keeping control, is that time management? I've noticed a common theme among the tour operators and travel advisors I coach. Phrases like "I just decided to do it myself" or "It was a great opportunity. I had to…" come up frequently.
I bet you can relate. You wake up early, check your phone, social channels, and emails, and before you know it, an hour has passed. You run out of time for your workout or breakfast, then rush off to meetings or getting your kids ready for school or camp. The day flies by with new projects and unexpected opportunities—exciting stuff!—but by 5 or 6pm, you realize you haven't tackled those critical, meaningful projects. Instead, you're dealing with new inquiries, thinking to yourself, "I'll work after dinner for an hour," only to find it stretches into two hours, leaving you exhausted. And then, you repeat the cycle the next day.
This scenario isn't just familiar to my clients; as a business owner, I've encountered it myself, especially during hectic weeks. I notice I'm not fully present—I sigh heavily when asked how I am, snap at my kids, and struggle to focus when my husband talks to me. Fortunately, I've learned a few tricks over the years that help and get me back on track.
Here's what I have for you—not just time blocking and Pomodoro techniques, but some practical suggestions for reality checks and gaining perspective:
Let it go: Ask yourself, is it really that important? Do I need to do that social post now or at all? Move less urgent tasks to your task management system and consider deleting some altogether.
Get help: People like to help. Do you have advisors, mentors, or team members you can turn to? Consider hiring consultants or contractors for short or long-term support.
Delegate: If someone else can do the work, let them. It's an opportunity for them to learn or simply lighten your load in the long run.
Reassess expectations: Challenge deadlines and the urgency of tasks. Can it wait until tomorrow or next week?
Prioritize: Focus on the top 3-5 priorities and intentionally avoid getting sidetracked by less important tasks.
Just Be: Take deep breaths and approach your tasks calmly, especially in emergencies. One thing at a time can make a big difference.
Choose Love: Remember what's truly important—your friends and family. Make time for them amidst the busyness.
Find perspective: You're in control of your time and decisions. Treat your schedule like you would if you had a serious health concern or unmissable adventure, you’d make time for it.
I hope these tips resonate with you and help you reclaim some balance. In addition to these strategies, use all the tools and techniques that keep you organized and sane—schedule meetings with yourself, utilize task management tools, and create environments that foster focus. Learn to say no when necessary and add an "and" to your yes—considering what you won't do, how it fits into your bigger goals, and who can support you.
Remember, these tips when your heart starts racing or you find you are putting in 10 hour days. Soon enough you’ll find what works best for you in managing your time and priorities effectively.
Do you need support or accountability on your business journey? Tell Casey more about your needs or email her at hello@caseyhanisko.com.
Gain straightforward and practical executive insight through our regular business column from Business Coach + Consultant, Casey Hanisko. A 25-year travel industry veteran and former president of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and vice president of respected outbound tour operator, Zegrahm Expeditions, Casey shares her deep knowledge of strategy, people management, and the travel industry with the Safari Portal community.