BEST WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR TIME
I hope you are ready to tell me the best ways to manage your time, because I could really use the input. I see some ladies who just seem to manage careers, family, and friends with ease. They never forget things, never seem flustered, and are always put together nicely. Mind you, I can count the number on one hand, but still they do exist. So how do they manage their time so much better than the rest of us?
My daughter-in-law has three children, works from the home as a beautician, and has a husband who is away a large part of the time. She juggles all that with ease. She always looks immaculate, the house is always clean, and she never seems to get her feathers ruffled.
I think the part where she gets up early, and works till late, might have something to do with her success. I’m not willing to do either of those things. Lol! So other than getting up early and going to bed late, what else helps with time management?
I have one friend who must have the energizer bunny batteries installed in her. I can’t even begin to tell you her schedule, but I will give you some highlights. She has a young child, around 8 or 9, and she works for her husband in his dental office. She preps all their food for the week on Sundays. Are you with me so far? She teaches Zumba at least three nights a week, and she is training to be in the Mrs. Virginia pageant in April. She sells Rodan and Fields, and has recently taken on the role as track coach. And because that is not enough, she runs in 1/2 marathons for fun.
She told me in order to make all that work, she has to be very organized and everything is scheduled. Can you train to be more organized? How do you stay on a schedule? I can’t even find time to make out a schedule, much less follow one. Let’s take today for instance. I go to work like normal, but I had to leave a little early to take the dogs to the vet. The vet is only there till 4:30, so I loaded both the pups up and took them to the vet. When I got home I started working on the blog, what I was going to write, etc. Then my son calls and when I answer the phone, my grandbaby is screaming. I had just taken the dogs outside and she saw me from the window. “I want to come to Nee Nee’s house.” Of course I said bring her over.
We were playing so Joe went for a walk, and when he came back he had a couple we know with him. We sat outside for awhile and Emersyn played while we talked. When they left, I fed her and got Joe’s food ready. It is now 9:20 and I am just now getting to the blog. Cropping and fixing the photos, writing the content, and finding the links. Obviously, I need help. Can you gurls give me any suggestions?
Okay, to today’s outfit. I love this outfit, it has a romantic vibe. The white Karen Kane lace tank is one that I have had for a couple years, and it is so feminine. Lace is a really big trend right now, and most of us can wear lace. You may not like a big lace collar or cuffs, but a ruffle along the shirt hem is easy to wear. The black one is like mine, and the others are similar.
The crepe vertical stripe pants and the cardigan both came from Cato’s. The cardigan was on clearance from last fall, but I think it matches the pants well. Here are a couple other pants that are similar.
I couldn’t find striped palazzo pants in plus size, but I liked these just as good.
The shoes I have on are the same ones I wore here, so the links are there.
I haven’t been linking to my jewelry lately, so I thought I would so a few pieces today. My necklace is from Stella & Dot and is called a Zuni layering necklace. I have on a Michael Kors boyfriend watch that was a gift. My very large bangle is a vintage fashion show find from years ago. It is wooden pieces all glued together.
My purse is a retired Stella & Dot that you might find on ebay. But here is a similar one by Cole Haan. I hope you liked my romantic, flowy outfit. And I am serious about wanting time management tips. Since I have started the blog, it usually takes me at least two hours a night to finish a post.
Years ago I read a series of books… More Hours in My Day… tons of organizational tips. They have helped me. Appreciate your looks and plus size options!
your blog is a bright spot in my day. I’m in New Mexico, on mountain time, so you east coast girls get a jump on me. I’ve taught courses in time management. Here are a few tips:
1) List your daily priorities and the approximate time you need to complete each one. These are non-negotiable …like appointments that cannot be broken. Also list other things you want to do. These are negotiable and can be spread across your day or week. Assign each activity an amount of time to complete. Consider color coding your activities on your schedule so at a quick glance you can plan nod re-group if necessary (reassign something to another day or time). Once you are in the habit of doing this, it becomes second nature. Remember, time is a valuable resource. Once spent…you can’t get it back.
2) Determine those time blocks on your calendar and plan them in advance. Be committed and ask your spouse to join you in this commitment by honoring your priorities and your schedule. If you’re going out for the evening but still have more to do later, set time parameters around what you can allow to give to the evening, without stress.
3) Interruptions happen. But if you have made a commitment to yourself and your priorities, you have to navigate those interruptions with the mindset that they will hurt you in the end, especially if they are causing you stress and the loss of sleep.
4) Learn to politely say ,”No”. Example: “It’s so great seeing you. Let’s make a date soon to get together and catch up because I have to get to an appointment.”
5) Learn to let go of some things and be realistic in your planning. Consider all the angles for yourself and your family.
6) Plan for down time. This is so important to retaining your joy and renewing your spirit. Allow yourself to still be spontaneous….or “plan” for fun. This is like leaving empty space in your schedule/calendar, to do whatever you want.
7) Take a Sabbath. I mean really! REST and do NOTHiNG! This is really hard to practice in our culture, but it is God’s gift to you.
8) Plan for vacations or mini getaways at least one weekend every three months and one week off once or twice a year. These take some planning and prep time and doing some work in advance so you can truly relax and have fun. It’s okay to tell your readers you’ll be out of pocket for the weekend or the week…but look forward to what is coming next Monday, etc.
I hope some of these suggestions help. I’ve found these are the practices of highly productive people.
If you’re going to maintain your blog and your sanity, it has to be treated with the same mindset as if you were clocking in at the office. It’s a job. It’s a priority and a responsibility which is non-negotiable…not something you might just get around to at the end of the day after everybody else’s needs are met and you have nothing better to do. You will burn out.
Love your advice, Tamar! I agree with all of it and I’m working on some of it – that Sabbath one is hard for me. When you are in church leadership, Sundays are not really restful …
I am a bi-vocational Pastor…I also teach Preschool. My husband and I take Fri. night to Sat. night. You’re right! Sunday’s are not restful…they are a work day!
Wow! Such great advice. Thanks so much?
Love your look today! It is very flattering and springy. (Is that a real word?) Your smile lights up your photos and I just love reading your blog.
As far as being organized…hmmmm..playing with a grandchild, making memories, visiting with neighbors-time you probably needed to enjoy…yes, ma’m THAT is what I call a God moment. I am 61, work full time and only get to see my grands, 3-4 times a year. (they live out of state). I try to “organize” but something usually gets in and I never make it. I just try to remember that no matter the moment, God will make it work out. Thanks for sharing your life with us. 🙂
I highly recommend the book, THE 12 WEEK YEAR. It helps to change our thinking about planning. I also am an early riser, and always start my day with exercise and prayer…
Pa, I am heading to Amazon to see if it can be downloaded. I need it NOW! Thanks!!!
I love the look with the beige cardigan!! I never thought to put it together like that. Thank you for your time to create a wonderful and inspiring blog. As far as time management , put me in your category!!! Lol
Your no help, Leisa! Hahaha?
I am an early riser;but also an early to bed person. It’s not unusual to find me in bed at 8 o’clock on a really stressful day. On the other hand, I am up, bright & early at 5 am every morning. I am definitely a scheduler! I work full time & have to travel a good bit for work so i am very time aware ; LOL. I live in Central time but travel to other time zones on a regular basis so using my Outlook calendar to schedule with reminders is something I could not live without! I also use a regular calendar as well. There’s something about seeing my day all neatly planned out each morning that gives me security – 🙂
Just turning 50, myself I am certainly finding myself with somewhat less energy than I had several years ago. One of my “secrets” is blogs like yours! 🙂 I love your planning & links to outfits that make looking put together so easy! Thank you for that!
I hadn’t thought about my blog being helpful when it comes to planning. That is good to know, at least it is helping someone. Lol! ?
I like your lace top. I’ve steered away from that look but it’s very flattering with the waterfall sweater. I am going to have to seriously consider that look. Someone at work wears Logo with that look but that brand hasn’t called to me.
Oh dear, as far as organization! I work from home and find it can be a challenge. Not being a morning person, I attempt very little before my first two cups of coffee but am on a solid roll in the evening. Timing can be critical when scheduling. The other factor that impacts my day is letting go of what’s NOT important. Perhaps it’s my age but I strive to enjoy the moment and go for quality time. Doesn’t always work when a spouse, cats, or someone needs my attention but I’m getting better being a priority. I understand you needing to share with your dog and family. Those are the good moments we’ll cherish later.
It’ll be interesting to read suggestions from your readers.
Thank you for the time you put into your blog for our enjoyment! It is my #1 blog! I have no suggestion for time management. Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog! Sounds like you are a wonderful grandmother!
Thanks Rhonda, that means a lot!!! ?
Look into Alejandra Costello website. she’s a professional organizer and also deals with time management. Love your blog too!
Thanks Joan, I will try to find the time to go to her site. Haha
I love reading your blog. You inspire me to look and feel beautiful. You are just beautiful. Thank you.