Where does the time go? I often ask myself this question. We’re a busy family. It seems like I just dropped the kids off at school and it’s already time for pick up. Time flies when you’re having fun I guess… But what did I actually accomplish? If you feel like your days are full but you’re still not making progress on your to-do list, here are some time management tips to help you get things done.
How to Get Things Done Every Single Day
Make the most of your mornings: I don’t know about you, but I’m just learning to make friends with the morning. This one was SO hard for me, but it pays off big time. Take a good look at your morning routine. Maybe you don’t have one, and you’re running frantic from the time you wake up. A good morning routine is one of the best things you can do for your day. If you have kids, wake before they do. Enjoy the quiet. Jot down a few goals for your day, and eat breakfast! Take an uninterrupted shower. I find that if I’m rushed our entire morning starts off the wrong way. Mornings matter. As much as I hate to admit it.
Set a timer: I hate to admit this, but I’ve wasted countless hours on Facebook and social media. You sit down for a minute, and pretty soon you’ve lost an hour. I love technology, but not when it keeps me from reaching my goals. Set a timer for 10 minutes once you log on, and stick with it. You’ll find that you feel more in control of your time and more in touch with those around you.
A timer can also be great for helping you focus on household chores when your time is limited. If you are feeling stretched for time, and the house is a mess—set a timer for 10 minutes and see how much you can accomplish in a specific room during that time.
Double those recipes: Baking? Double that muffin recipe and make some to consume now, and a batch for the freezer! On a busy day, you’ll be glad you did. Ever thought of freezer cooking? It’s a huge timesaver.
Know your focus: Ask yourself, “What is important today?” Let your answer guide your goals for the day. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you take a few minutes to find your focus. Make a new list each day.
Block out your time: Schedule your day, for real.
7:00-7:30 “Me” time–prayer, quiet coffee
7:30-8:00 Kids off to school
8:00-9:00 Emails and Social Media
9:00-10:00 Blog Work
10:00-11:00 Coffee with Friends
You get the idea….. I know this might seem rigid, especially if you are a stay at home mom–but you’ll find that it brings structure to your day. You might miss the mark sometimes, but it’s a general guideline to keep you feeling productive. You are the CEO of your day, baby!
Learn to say “No”: Is your to-do list a mile long? You may have a problem with saying “no” when you should. People pleasing can be a good thing, until, well, it’s not. Consider the cost of too many “Yeses” Are you saying yes out of guilt? Are you overwhelmed after committing? This might be a sign that you are taking on too much. All of your commitments should not crowd out the things that are really important to you. Your best yes is the one that can be said with joy, not from a place of guilt or shame. Save room in your day for the things that feed your soul.
And guess what?! You don’t even have to give a reason. You can simply say: ” Sorry that just doesn’t work with our schedule, thanks for thinking of me.” We don’t always have to give people long explanations as to why we can’t do something. It’s OK! I promise. Experience freedom people.
My time management skills are a work in progress, but these tips have truly transformed my days. What tips do you have for making the most of your day?
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