We All Need Time Management
Yesterday, I put up a survey to see what work at home moms are struggling with and one area was particularly well represented, time management. It seems it`s a universal problem for us moms, we try to get everything done and in the end, there just aren`t enough hours in the day. Or are there?
One survey taker brought up an interesting point. She said that she thinks she DOES have enough time, but just doesn`t use it well. I think she`s right. I know that when I sit down to work, I get interrupted every two or three minutes. My kids are constantly popping in or someone gets hurt and needs Mama, or my husband wants to know what`s for dinner . . . it is a neverending stream of interruptions. The few times I`ve managed to lock myself into my office and just work solid, I can get a LOT done.
And then there is myself. It`s very easy to get distracted reading blogs, if I`m not careful. Or chatting with one of my sisters in Canada. The internet is full of ways to NOT work and it takes a lot of motivation to actually stay on course.
Most of us have limited time to work, since we`re moms. We know that our kids need us and most of us try to make sure we`re there for them. That often means taking a hit in the area of business, but it`s worth it.
I can`t help feel that we really could do more with our existing working time, though, so over the next few weeks, I`ll be looking at and experimenting with, methods of making the time we have more productive.
In the meantime, if you haven`t taken the survey, I would really appreciate it if you would! You can take it here.
If you’d like a tool for managing your time and projects, you can use this application inspired by David Allen’s GTD:
http://www.Gtdagenda.com
You can use it to manage and prioritize your goals, projects and tasks, set next actions and contexts, use checklists, schedules and a calendar.
A mobile version is available too.
I totally agree about not using the time I have effectively. For the MOST part I’m pretty good about time management. Of course there are days that no matter what I do I just can’t get focused and find myself getting distracted by the littlest things.
I’m lucky in the aspect that my son is 10 and in school all day during the week. But it’s silly things that get me distracted. Like I’ll get up to go get a glass of water or make a quick snack/lunch and the next thing I know I’ll be cleaning out the fridge or doing the dishes or sweeping & mopping the kitchen floor.
And of course there is always the distraction of just being on the internet. Twitter, Instant Messenger, Facebook, Myspace…all those can be time suckers if I don’t watch out.
I am really enjoying your blog! I’ve stumbled a couple posts for you — I think this blog can really help a lot of mamas at home!
Lol, Tishia, that`s exactly what happens to me sometimes! I`ll go to write an email to a client, for example and get distracted clearing out my inbox, or I`ll help one of the boys with something and then end up making cookies or something!
Thanks, Dan, I`ll have to check that out.
Thank you, Desiree! I`m glad you`ve enjoyed the blog, feel free to take the survey or offer any suggestions, I would love to make it even more relevant.
It’s the most important to know how to save time when you work at home. And not only for moms with kids but for everyone. Of course for mom with kids it’s more difficult to find some times to work.
Yes, these ideas will work for those without kids, too!
I use a timer to help me stay focused. The email window, the instant messengers, facebook, twitter, all are turned off or closed while I’m working.
I try to limit my email checking unless I’m waiting for an urgent mail.
A time log can really help you to become aware of what is happening to your time.
There are ways that you can communicate with your family that will limit the interruptions. Post a menu in the kitchen so your husband and children don’t need to knock on your door to ask.
A time log is a great idea, Melanie! I should try that. As for interruptions, my kids are still very young, 2 and 3, so most of the stuff is just a request for a story (always honored) or a quick hug or kiss to help an owie. Which I don´t mind being bothered with. If I need to really focus, I shut the bedroom/office door and they know Mama is busy and will go to Papa.
I have created a time log that is very simple to use. Once per waking hour, you write the activities you were involved in and the amount of time you were involved in them. I’d recommend doing this at least three days, but if you just cannot do this, even one day will produce great information to start with!
Here’s the link:
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/5957855/Time
Thanks for sharing the time log with us, Melanie. It`s a good idea and I`ll be trying it myself!