As a mom, we have what I like to refer to as the never-ending-gotta-do-list. It’s that ongoing list of things that no one can accomplish besides Mom nor as well as Mom.There’s a constant juggling show going on with all of the things we need to get done in a day, it’s amazing we ever get any sleep especially while the kids are young.
Do you have a real to-do list? I mean and real live, hold in your hand, show someone else, making you accountable for your wishes and wants and actions… kind of list. If not, let’s start there, you need one. It’s not painful nor time consuming. Grab a pen and a piece of paper and at the top write “make a to-do list”. Voila, you now have a to-do list to work with.
The best time management is built on the foundation of a good, consistent task list. Every single day something comes up or happens or interrupts the day so the intended to-do list becomes altered. That’s ok. You’re allowed, and should include, the wiggle room for your scheduling. The key is to have a plan, be flexible to adjust the plan and have an end goal so there is a point to the plan.
Here are 5 tips to help you work more effectively with your tight schedule
1. Have a real, written down to-do list. Either on the computer or on a pad of paper, keep an ongoing list of all your to-dos. There is no right nor wrong way to organize or categorize, the most important thing is to have a list you can refer to.
2. Schedule tasks that don’t have due dates. It’s easy to get the deadline oriented tasks completed because they have real due dates. However, open ended tasks tend to be pushed down and moved around or just outright forgotten if you don’t include a hypothetical “must get done” date.
3. Label yourself as a priority. Often times our own needs and tasks get set aside for others’ tasks. Most of us will schedule in phone calls and emails because we know we need to keep in touch, yet other self focused tasks like organizing our own personal stuff or getting involved in groups or activities that ony benefit Mom get completely pushed aside. We need to remember, if we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we effectively take care of our family.
4. Allow for breaks. Even the best time management gurus and their industrial strength work stamina have to stop and breath now and again. Make sure you include in your task list things that require you to stop and rest, look around and enjoy the moment. If you need to make sure you allow yourself these moments, write them down on your list as well.
5. Consolidate tasks. Before jumping head first into your to-do-list, take a look and combine tasks that are related, could be done at the same time or might compliment eachother. Taking someone to football practice and making a couple phone calls while you wait is one example. Answer emails while lunch is in the microwave, the laundry dries and a file downloads is another.
Don’t let the time get away from you. Make your time work for you.
