Time is one of the most important investments you can make in your life as a sport broadcaster. Dedicating time to developing your on air abilities, maximizing job market strategy, and expanding your non broadcasting skills pays off. It keeps you moving forward.
Are you investing time in your career? The following email is one of my favorites I have received from a sportscaster on this topic:
“I’m starting to make more time to get better. I recently announced my retirement from video games because I was clearly making that a bigger priority. The more I studied my work, the more I realized that my second season of play-by-play for high school football was a sophomore slump.
I don’t want to struggle again.
The only way to make that happen is to practice. Video games will no longer eat up that valuable time.”
So smart.
When you choose to engage in any activity ask yourself, “If I say yes to this, what am I saying no to?”
This guy was saying yes to video games, which meant he was saying no to taking time to improve his career or prep for his next broadcast.
Many people will say, “I’m too busy to improve my sportscasting.”
Too busy is a comment of self-importance.
Everyone has the same 168 hours in a week. How do you invest them? Are you playing video games? Are you wasting them?
Beyonce has the same 168 as you and me. Presidents and heads of state, Will Smith, Oprah – they all have the same 168 hours per week that we have.
It’s not a matter of being too busy. It’s a matter of how you’re choosing to spend your time.
Here are some of my favorite time management tips.
1. Write it down
For one week, write down hour by hour how you spend your days. Be honest. You’ll find areas of waste and areas that can be cut back.
2. Change up your sleep schedule
I know sleep is important. Believe me – I’m a huge advocate of getting enough sleep. But if you go to bed 30 minutes later and get up 30 minutes earlier, that’s seven additional hours per week you will have to do something; 28 per month. Even 15 minutes earlier to sleep and to rise give you and extra hour every other day.
How much could you accomplish with 14-28 hours a month?
3. Create a to do list
It’s a fact that you are more likely to do what you write down. Make yourself accountable by putting it on paper or your favorite task management app.
4. Set a routine
My wife teases me that I’m so regimented. But having a routine maximizes productivity because everything you need to do has a time and place to be done.
5. Work without interruption
This is one of my favorites. Turn off your phone so you aren’t constantly addressing texts and emails and tempted to surf the Internet or scroll social media.
When you get interrupted on a task, it takes up to 20 minutes to get back into the mental groove. Therefore, set aside blocks of time each day to work without interruption.
Following these guidelines will ensure you have plenty of time to devote to your sportscasting skills.