One of the main reasons I hear from mums for not putting their health first is that they don’t have enough time and lack organisation. I will share my organisation secrets that will help any mum create space in their calendar to be able to do the things they want to do without letting anyone down.
I am a big fan of the book Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy. It is all about time management, organisation and getting more done in less time. As a mum, I am all for getting more done in less time. Planning my time decreases my stress, anxiety and makes me feel more in control of my life.
Organisation secrets – 5 P’s
Put pen to paper.
It helps my brain do what it is supposed to do, create ideas not store them. I write a list of projects using outcomes instead of just one word. I don’t take action when the outcome is listed as one word like ‘declutter’ or ‘present’ because my brain is feeling stressed. Instead, I write ‘declutter the study’ or ‘buy Dad a 70th Birthday present’ then I am more productive. I only list two projects a week these are the two that are going to have the biggest impact on my week. Then I write all the tasks that need to be done for each project.
Plan out your next week or month.
I feel more organised and in control of my calendar when I have taken the time to sit down and plan it out. For every minute you spend planning you save 5-10 minutes in carrying out that task. Things I add to my calendar each week are my non-negotiable activities like exercise and yoga, appointments, family time, catch-up with friends and finally, when I am going to do the grocery shopping and when I will prepare the meals.
Photo credit – Pixabay
Prioritise the most important things that need to be done.
It helps me stay focused and be more productive when I prioritise what I really want to do and what is important. I also can say ‘no’ to things because I can see what time I actually have left.
Produce the work.
I have got a lot more done when I work from a list. Brain Tracy states that you can increase your productivity by 2 hours a day when you work from a list. What mum doesn’t want an extra two hours a day?
Ponder what you did.
I am a huge fan of reflecting and evaluating in all areas of my life and work. It helps me stay positive and also allows me to make changes and improvements next time.
The 5 P’s are my organisation secrets to getting more done in less time, and being able to do the things I want to do instead of always being at the beck and call of everyone else. What I put into my diary is my choice and makes me feel more in control of my life.
Are you more productive when you work from a list? Let me know in the comments below.
Want to read more? Then check out one of my earlier blogs on how to manage your to-do list HERE.
If you want to plan your entire week in just a few minutes each Sunday so that you can actually stay on top of things and not feel like you’re always frantically trying to keep up then grab the simple one-page planner that I use. You will be able to get rid of clutter and feel more organised so that you can start your week off on the right foot.
If you enjoyed these tips but are feeling like there’s never enough hours in the day to implement them. You’re always wishing you could just have a bit more time. Let me help you feel more organised so that you actually have time for the things that you want to do without letting anyone down. Book a free 20 minute ‘Time Review’ with me NOW.
