What a man accomplishes in a day depends upon the way in which he approaches his tasks.
~ Arland Gilbert
Basically, my number one biggest tip for Time Management is
1. Put a Timer on It!!!
Yes, you heard me. Set your timer and allow only a set amount of time for a task. When I was younger, I started doing this for chores I didn’t like; mopping, unloading the dishwasher, folding clothes. Now, I do it to stay on task. All you Mom’s know how difficult it is to stay focused with kids demanding your attention. Whether it’s emptying the dishwasher, cleaning like company’s coming, or blogging. I find that I’m a zillion times more efficient if I allow myself only a certain amount of time for a task.
2. Multi-task
- Plan your day during your morning run or exercise routine. When you get home, write down your list or a rough schedule of what you want your day to look like.
- Catch up on your favorite shows or the news while on the treadmill or stationary bike.
- Pick up out of place items as you walk through rooms and place where they belong.
3. Make lists and prioritize
I could not function without my To Do list. I use TeuxDeux app for Android because I always have my phone with me. Much easier than keeping up with a list and pen. I set dates or goals to have certain tasks completed. There is a sense of accomplishment when you mark those babies off!!
4. Monitor time on phone and social media including blogging (you have a life to live after all). Enough said. We all could stay logged on all day if we allowed it.
5. Use the Internet wisely. Pay bills, shop, balance checkbook, order photos, order medications all at your finger tips online.
6. Get organized
- Plan weekly/monthly commitments for yourself and family members
- Keep a perpetual grocery list in a convenient place. When you run out of something, immediately put it on the list. I hate not having what I need for a recipe.
- Post a chore chart for kids. Kids of any age can do chores. The earlier you start them with chores the less resistance you’ll have implementing them as they get older.
- Map out a weekly menu for your family taking into account the week’s upcoming events. (more on this later)
Amy @ {Life to the Full} says
Thank you for the tips!
I usually have a perpetual grocery list running but my problem is remembering to bring it to the store with me… 🙂 hehe. I’m finding that it feels good to turn all “technology” off for part of the day and just work on house/outside chores. I don’t know why, but not having a phone on me is freeing! I’m definitely going to implement your tips in daily life; I try, but sometimes my “mommy-brain” feels a bit frazzled and I forget what my priorities were that day.
I found your blog on the “Growing Your Blog” link-up!
Paula says
I am the same way about a phone. Some weekend days when my family are all home I don’t even look at it. Feels good. I had to set my timer this morning so I’d stay on task and get some post finished otherwise I end up on social media 75% of the time! Thanks for stopping by!
Chewylicious says
Great Tips! New follower here stopping by from the Mommy-Brain Mixer, blog hop!
Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says
Love all these tips. Visiting from Cornerstone Confessions. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/07/make-it-pretty-monday-week-6.html Wishing you a grand week. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Cornerstone Confessions says
These are some great time saving tips! Thank you so much for linking up to Titus 2 Tuesday. Hope to see you again this week!
PMc says
Thank you, KK!! That means the world to me. I'm just trying to keep it all together and sharing any wisdom (and mistakes) along the way.
PMc says
Thanks! I'll link up!
PMc says
I have to use one to keep myself focused, especially when I'm blogging!
PMc says
Thank you!
Karen Gregory says
Do you realize that this could be a sunday school lesson? You have a gift and a calling on your life, as we all do. Im tickled to death that you are answering youts! Kudos, paula mac! Im inspired by you!
Charlene@APinchofJoy says
Good ideas all — but especially number 1! Thanks for linking on Busy Monday at A Pinch of Joy! Hope to see you again soon –
Jenni says
Good tips! I've been meaning to use my timer more but keep forgetting. lol
Anonymous says
Great stuff
PMc says
Thanks, Wendy. Have a great week!
Wendy @ E1A says
Great tips! Thank you
PMc says
I LIVE by a timer… at least for the things I don't want to do but HAVE to. Thank you, I thought it may help someone.
Carole says
I love your timer idea!
Thanks very much