How’s your schedule these days? Are you overwhelmed with #allthethings? Maybe you are lacking true purpose and productivity in your schedule. Let’s take a second and pause, take a deep breath (really, take a deep breath right now - you will feel so much better!), and let’s review your schedule. Here are some time management tips to help get you started. Let’s freshen up things around here!
DO AN AUDIT OF YOUR DAY
On a blank piece of paper, write down everything you did within the past 24 hours. As you review all of your tasks, items and more, ask yourself these questions:
Was it productive, was it necessary, was it enjoyable?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, decide which of these activities most align what brings you more joy. Be sure to also review which activities you want to minimize. By minimizing a few things you can feel more productive and calm. Don’t forget to think about which activities you need to stop because they drain you.
PICK A PRODUCTIVITY METHOD
We firmly believe that productivity is personal. Once you know what you would like your ideal day or week to look like, choose a planning method that supports this.This is how I plan my week in this season of my life, but it was different a few months ago.
I’m a self-professed hybrid planner in that I need to start with a paper-based system to have a clear picture of my week and during my working hours, and the technology to remind me of meetings and appointments between 9am-5pm. Decide what works for you, make adjustments as needed, and most importantly: you do you.
ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS
Our increasing reliance on smartphones and devices also means that we have an endless supply of entertainment at our fingertips, which can all too easily distract us from all the things we need to be getting on with.
My go-to tool to eliminate distractions? A timer and a reward. For example, I set a goal to answer 5 emails in 10 minutes. I then set a decide what my 'reward' will be once I complete the task and I'm off to the races. A simple but very effective trick my overactive mind.
Instead of scrolling social media, look for new hobbies to take up. And I know what you're going to say, "I don't have time." I absolutely believe you AND kindly request that you consider reading this article on how we feel it will benefit your productivity (yup, you read that correctly) by taking up a hobby. It will be fun, I promise!
SAY NO LIKE A PRO
We end up with way by saying yes to way too many things. We get overwhelmed and sometimes, resentful. If you’re having a hard time saying no, here’s a tip: take a deep breath, say that you may have something else on and you need to have a look at your schedule.
BRING BACK MEANING INTO YOUR SCHEDULE
Spending time at the park with my kids brings me joy, connection, and peace. This activity speaks to my commitment to and contentment with family and nature.
I also find that being outdoors and with my children recharges me in really positive ways. So, I make space in my diary to spend time with my kids and be close to nature where I can: this could mean going to the park (if I have more time), going to our backyard to plant flowers (if I have less time), watering the plants together in our house (even less time), or reading a book together about nature (super quick).
