This past year, I have really analyzed my time, who/what I give it to and how I continue to manage it. I’d like to share what I’ve learned as a busy, active, full-time work-at-home mom of 2 young kids in a single parent home.
Let me begin by saying, I LIKE to be busy and involved. I like being part of ideas and then implementing them into action. But, I like to say YES a lot, because I get passionate about things I believe in and find myself feeling a bit over taxed. So, really, I think this post is also about learning to say NO in a way that allows me time to think it through. It’s not just me, after all, that feels the affects of my decisions.
These DO’s and DON’T’s might seem small, but have had life changing side-effects for me. I feel in control of my time now.
DO NOT ever, under any circumstance, unless I feel it with every bone in my body, make an on-the-spot commitment or plan that may require a schedule adjustment. (It’s critical with kids.)
DO say, “Thanks for thinking of me, let me check my schedule/calendar and get back to you on this.” (Stick to your guns, people are often shocked by this.)
DO NOT let someone else’s emergency become my emergency. Whether it’s poor planning on their part or just a fluke.
DO say, “I’m sorry I can’t help” or simply “No” if helping them out is going to cause a strain on my family.
DO NOT Let anyone drag me into a schedule comparing contest. Everyone’s calendar is full. I feel allowed to have a different comfort level and priority level of activity in my life.
DO feel it’s ok to say, “I’m too busy” or “This isn’t something that is going to fit into my schedule.”
One Golden Rule that will make it to 2012:
I do NOTHING extra on Mondays. The busiest day of my week (isn’t it everyone’s?!). I devote this day solely to my main job. I take no extra calls, no personal calls, no personal emails, no meetings, no lunches, nothing extra on Mondays. This includes just having a nice normal Monday night at home with my kids, having a nice normal meal that I cooked on the table, nice normal baths, nice normal bedtime routine. I calculated that if I let distractions side-step me on Mondays, I would waste 4 hours of work time and most likely return to work after the kids went to bed. Nose to the grindstone.
Bottom Line: We all must do what is right for ourselves.
I would love to hear other time management tips!
2 comments:
Wow, that's a wonderful list! I especially like your point about a schedule comparing contest. That seems to happen a lot but it's good to point out everyone has different priorities. I admire that your family has number one priority in your life.
Thank you darling and, thank you for reading! :)
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