Back when I worked outside the home, I was pretty good at time management. I felt stressed a lot of the time, don’t get me wrong, but for the most part I managed to get it all done – the cooking, the cleaning, the shopping, the working, and the kids to all the right places at all the right times. Things are much different now. Partly because I am not able to physically do all the things I used to do, but also because I ‘seem’ to have all the time in the world to get things done. What I’ve found is that this seemingly endless supply of time to get things done leads to very little actually being accomplished.
I joke that I have ADD. I don’t, and I don’t mean to make light of anyone who does, but here is an example of what happens: I get up and get the kids off to school. I sit down with my To-Do List and start marking things off (because this keeps me focused and makes sure I get done what I need to get done). While I’m going through emails, I find an interesting blog post so I go read it. Then I think, I’ll check Facebook since I’m already piddling online. Then, I need a fresh coffee – that’ll help me regain my focus. Then I open Photoshop to get started on those design concepts I haven’t been able to nail down yet. Then, I remember it’s been 5 days since I visited Triberr and I really ought to do that (I manage 3 social media accounts). While I’m doing that, I think of something I needed to add to the mock up site for a client, so I go and do that. Now, it’s 11:30 and I’m hungry, so it’s time to pause for lunch.
I’ve been non-stop doing things since the kids got on the bus at 8:00. But, I haven’t actually accomplished anything. I didn’t manage to get through all my emails, which was the first thing I started doing. I started on the concepts in Photoshop, but didn’t stay focused long enough to accomplish anything. I only approved half the posts in Triberr. And now I’m piddling with a design mock up.
Rinse and repeat for the afternoon.
Now, it’s 3:00 and the kids are coming home. They need help with homework, encouragement to complete their chores, and dinner needs to be started. So, now I’m still “working”, only now I’m being distracted 3 times as much. Pretty soon, it’s 8:00 and I’m ready for bed and most of my To-Do list is still only half done. I haven’t replied to half the emails. Those design concepts are still sitting there not completed. The mock up site is only 90% done. Triberr was only done for 1 account. I haven’t responded to any comments on my blog. And I certainly didn’t go visit and comment on blogs that I love to read and comment on. It’s been a week since I’ve posted anything on my own blog.
Then, I go to bed. In the morning I’ll get up and do the whole thing all over again.
Am I the only one?
I’m going to be working on this. I don’t often make plans to change, especially since I’ve been sick. It’s not easy to diet, smoke less (or quit, God forbid), or anything else when you have all the time in the world to think about nothing but food you can’t have or the cigarettes you can’t smoke. When I had a life outside the home, it was easier. There were other things to focus on, to keep me busy. But, I’ve got to get better at managing my time, especially now that I’m busy with design work.
Any tips for me?
Mom of 6, wife, RN...dealing with a chronic illness one day at a time. This is my personal blog - I blog about the things I care about: being a military mom, life with polymyositis, and my children.
Umm, are you sure you aren’t peaking in my windows??? That sounds so much like my day. If I save my email for the last thing to do for the day I do end up getting more done it seems.
Haha! I can totally relate to the email. I get torn between being available for those who need me and the need to keep focused on what I’m doing. I think I may extend my checking frequency even further. Geez, at one point in time, my email checked every 5 minutes ha! I’m going to limit myself to every 2 hours and see if that helps
Ummmmmmmmmmm….Hmmmmmmmm…. What time do you get up? Maybe getting up earlier, so you have more productive time while the kids are asleep?
Also, maybe making your to-do list smaller? Is that possible? Maybe prioritize – and then stick to it. For example, I would say that the design concepts and the site design would be first. Do those at your most productive time in the day (whether that be in the morning or in the afternoon). When those things are done, only can you do the emails and such.
I don’t know. That’s what I do. I do the blog post first – then work on the blog hopping – etc. When life gets in the way – I get in life’s way. Keep the eyes on the prize (so to speak).
I am really happy to hear that you are uber busy! (doing a happy dance)
Getting up earlier is definitely something I’d like to do. Since I’ve had the breathing problems while sleeping, I haven’t been able to get up earlier than the kids. I used to get up 2 hours before they did and I got so much done! Maybe I’ll enlist my husband to get me up.
I’ve lengthened the time of checking emails and that’s REALLY helped. I may even try answering them first thing in the morning and then not again until the afternoon. Using those morning hours just to focus on design concepts and site designs. Those are my best hours for that. I also need to think about when to do the other chores of the day – the laundry, dishes, etc. I’m torn between the need to take little breaks from designing and using that time to start the laundry or the dishes, and trying to just stick with it and not be distracted by anything. I think I need to actually make a concentrated effort to try it both ways and write down how much I accomplish.
And thank you for being happy!! I’m happy, happy, happy too!!
I believe I have lived this life before
LOL! So good to know I’m not the only one!
did you read my time schedule post? I would put all social media, catching up emails, etc. at the end of the day. after dinner or when the kids are winding into bed. Only very important tasks that make you money should be on your to do list,and only 5-6 each day. give yourself a cut time for serious work, then 15minutes of messing around. Then back to work for another period. Distractions are the killers, but set time periods can help keep you focused;)
Yep, I just read your post and found some very helpful tips in it that I’m planning to implement =). I have a feeling they’re going to help!
That sounds just like my life! I always seem to be busy but never get as much as I want to done! Wish I could find the secret, if you do let me know.
Oh, I will! I haven’t found it yet lol. Still struggling every single day…ugh.