On the left-hand side of the spreadsheet are fundamental tasks and activities for running a business. Across the top are the months of the year. The X's represent the months you have targeted to accomplish certain tasks. A spreadsheet like this can help you complete activities consistently, without constantly reinventing the management wheel. You can even block these tasks into your calendar to help you stay on track.
Color-coding the spreadsheet adds a layer of accountability. Green indicates the task is completed, yellow shows the task is started and in process, red alerts you to tasks that are dragging on or stalled, and blue indicates a task that should be deleted. Of course, change is inevitable. Keep in mind that additional management responsibilities are bound to arise, and you'll need to adjust your system accordingly.
A Few Words Of Advice
Everyone needs support and structure to form new habits. If business management is new for you, you need to start somewhere. This approach can help.
As you begin taking a proactive approach to practice management, remember: While executing your management responsibilities well is important, it's best to start with the attitude that practice makes perfect and that perfection is the price of progress.