We all have the ability to do more than one thing at a time...I mean come on we are parents for heaven's sake. Who hasn't juggled a child in the bathtub and a phone in our ear or cooking dinner for the family and paying bills on the computer.
But do you really know how to manage your time?
The definition of time management is the act or process of planning and exercising conscious control over the amount of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase productivity or efficiency.
I found a few tricks to help me with managing my time and not feel so overwhelmed trying to be wonder woman and accomplish everything every day.
5 Time Management Tips that works for me.
1. Make a list - Mark off a couple of items each day. Don't try and do everything on the list the first day of the week. Be practical.
2. Learn to say NO! - When someone asks you to volunteer or do something you don't want to do, say no, politely, but firmly. Don't feel guilty either. Focus on those things that are important to you, family, friends and health. Once you are comfortable with what you have time to do, turning down things that don't fit into your priorities is easier.
3. Use a timer - Set a kitchen timer or the timer on your phone for 10 to 15 minutes. Start cleaning/organizing the area in your house you want, you will be amazed how much you can accomplish in that amount of time when you focus your attention on one thing at a time. Just picking up for 5 minutes before you head out the door in the morning is also helpful.
4. Non-negotiable time for yourself - Plan time for yourself every day, whether to sit and meditate or just to have a cup of coffee. We change our plans to suit someone else's needs but rarely do we put our own needs first. Try doing this for yourself...This is one appointment that is key to your growth in all areas of your life, work, family life, socially.
5. Identify your time wasters - Anything that distracts you from the most important thing you need to be doing. Do you waste time reading, social media, talking on the phone or watching t.v.? My big time waster is social media. I would rather do this instead of housework, walk the dog or anything I should be doing. I need to unplug more often. How about you?
How do you manage your time?
I hope my writings bring you information that is useful in your life.
Susan, xoxo