Freelancing Tips and Tricks: 4 Benefits of Time Keeping

So you're a freelancer. You make your own hours and you're in control of what you do and how you do it. You've heard the phrase "time is money," and for you, that is the truth! But what happens when you lose track of time either while you're working, or during your leisure hours?

It's so easy to lose control when you answer to no one but yourself. It helps when you answer to a timer.

Here are four major benefits of time keeping:

1. Hours are honest
2. You can budget your time
3. Diminish distractions
4. Become better at what you do

1. Hours are honest

When you religiously track your time (this means no lying about how long you spent on Facebook), you will see EXACTLY where your time goes. It's not sugar coated. It's just the cold hard truth. Although that may seem like a pretty scary thought, it's actually refreshing to have that information so easily accessible.

2. You can budget your time

Because the hours don't lie to you, you'll find out what you do too much of, and what you're not doing enough of. With this new information (maybe not so new, since you probably already know if you spend too much time playing games), you'll become more responsible by giving more of your time to the most important tasks.

3. Diminish distractions

When you set a timer for a specific task, (for example: writing a blog) you have then set a clear purpose. When there's a timer keeping track of what you're doing, you are less likely to get distracted. You won't feel scattered because you are jumping from one task to another.

4. Become better at what you do

With less distractions to keep you from your work, and with a better understanding of how to be responsible with your time, you will become a better freelancer. This is good for your client AND for you. Everyone's happy!