This year has just flown by, and already I have had so much happen that staying focused has moved up my priority list. So many opportunities, events, and surprises have sparked– some great and some not so much.

I have new projects at work I want to get to and new responsibilities with my family to take care of that literally every minute is precious. I am doing my best not to overcrowd my plate, but remain productive and appreciative for the moment.

To help me remain focus on the right things. I have given myself a “2 Minute Rule.” This means while in action or conversation if after 2 minutes I’m not productive or positive, I have to stop and move on to something else.

This includes conversations with friends, meetings at work, and downtime with myself. I want to make sure I’m protecting my energy and using it for good. Many times, I will look at the clock and wonder where has the time gone and what do I have to show for it? The 2 Minute Rule helps me regulate that!

As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to get bogged down with six to seven tasks at once. You are fighting to make your dream happen. You may not have the staff or resources to entrust your load to other people so, it is vital to make sure your time is being used for good.

One of the best ways to structure your time is by time blocking.

That is when you map out your current schedule every day of the week. Then you adjust your schedule as needed by adding your priorities to your prime working times.

For example, I’m more productive around noon, so I schedule the big task around that time. Any projects that need to be done, I plan it around that time because it requires more of my attention and that’s when I perform the best.

Mornings are a little slower for me, so I organize my day, review emails, and catch up on current events during that time. Because our inboxes and social media can be a black hole of information, this is a perfect time for me to be very critical of my time block. I will only give myself 45 minutes to go through everything.

Be easy on yourself at first; sometimes you forget to look at the clock. And sometimes you need to need downtime, but even that can be productive. Downtown to rejuvenate your mind and get some fresh air is fruitful in better work life.

Soon, I will share my new method of productive work timing. While I still time block to get my schedule together, there is a method I use now to help with my freelance projects. I’ll share that with you next time!

Content courtesy of  Amanda Reese, Founder of  Blueprint Concepts, an experience-focused marketing firm that provides growth strategy to entrepreneurs and creatives.

Contributing Author, Amanda Reese

As Blueprint Concept’s chief consultant, Amanda does more than drumming on a keyboard. With more than 6+ years of experience in marketing and branding, she’s obsessed with new innovative storytelling and curating experiences to go along with them. When she’s not empowering women and small businesses to be differentiators, she is exploring health and wellness (or watching reruns of The Office). Throughout her career, Amanda has worked with many industries including — education to entertainment, and sports to nonprofits.

Amanda also writes for the So Selfish Blog, and you can follow her @theamandacheri @theblueprintconcepts and check her out her Facebook & Twitter.