I don’t know about you, but being a mom, wife and small business owner, balancing ‘it all’ seems impossible.
There are so many articles and blog posts about balancing work and life that it’s overwhelming. But I’ve since realised that I don’t want to know how to balance my work and life, I want to know how to JUGGLE it all; how to make sure my work tasks get done, my kids get to their extra mural activities, dinner is made, and still be sane at the end of each day.
Is this even possible…aaaaaah!!
After much thought and, yes, a touch of googling, I’ve come to the realisation that it CAN be done.
Here are 4 things I have learnt to help me juggle everything:
ONE-Create a to-do list
Before finishing work for the day, or before going to bed in the evenings, make a note of the things that need to get done the next day. This means that after you’ve dropped the kids off at school, and you’re sitting at your desk, you already know what needs to be done by the close of business that day. When other emails and tasks come in, write these into your planner, and get to them when the other tasks have been completed. Don’t underestimate the power and magic of a to-do list!
TWO-Know your most productive time in the day
Some tasks are more important than others. Start your day with these tasks, and make sure these get done first; when you’re all bright-eyed and bushy tailed! All our days are different, but for me, my most productive time of the day is between 8am and 10am when I am at my most focused, and then again between 3pm and 5pm, when things at home have settled down for the afternoon. Within these times, I make sure I complete those tasks that cannot wait for tomorrow. What are your most productive hours in the day?
THREE-Take breaks during the day
Sometimes we can get so busy working (or procrastinating) that we forget to get up and make coffee or eat throughout the day. Contrary to popular belief, you won’t get all you need done in the day if you don’t have the energy to give 100 percent. And all it takes are small things: get up from your desk and walk to the kitchen; go to a park or play with your children for an hour if you feel overwhelmed; take the time to clear your mind and refocus on your goals. And you never know, the ideas that wouldn’t come to you at your desk might pour out in a new environment.
FOUR-Know your limits
The feeling of ‘losing control’ can also stem from doing too much; having too much responsibility on your shoulders. Be secure in the responsibilities that YOU need to do (spouse, parent, business owner, colleague, etc)…and outsource the rest. There is noooo way you can do it all – not even Superman could be in two places at the same time, manage 3 clients’ needs simultaneously, make dinner and type out a blog. So why do you think you can? Know your limits. Employ someone to help you out, and you’ll find you’ll be able to juggle it all a bit better!
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What do you do to juggle your time?
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