A friend posted, “I need a 32 hour day, 24 isn’t enough.” And man can I relate. It’s easy to feel like you’re always running out of time. Being over-scheduled is one thing, but with kids it can be anything. Yes, they have activities and homework and who knows what else. Throw in anything that you’d need to do or like to do for yourself, it’s easy to run out of time. A 32 hour day is totally up my alley. It’s not happening though. Instead, I try to make the most of the 24 I get. People like to say things like “you + Oprah get the same 24 hours”. While that’s true, she also has people and no kids! I’m working on getting “people”. Until I do, here are 5 ways to get the most out of your 24 hours. You know, until you get a team of “people”.
Planning:
- Planning works ev.er.y.time. I don’t always pull out my planner to set the intentions for my day but I do find some means of making plans for the day. Many days, I just use the notes in my phone to list my “must do” items for the day and I also include the things that would be “nice to do”. As long as I get through my “must do” list, I feel like I’ve done something with my life.
Preparation:
- Also getting things ready ahead of time is a HUGE help. In the mornings, I’m on the run with the kids. So, everyone showers the night before and I pull out their clothes for the next day at night too. I make sure all backpacks and my laptop bag are ready to run out the door too. It helps to take some things off my plate so my morning doesn’t have to be so crazy.
Focus:
- I try to stay focused on what my goals are for the day. Trying to do any and everything else doesn’t work. Trust me. I’ve tried. When I try to do a little of this and a little of that, I get absolutely nothing done. When I focus on one thing at a time, I totally rock it out. As a recovering multi-tasker, this is hard.
Wanna put these tips into practice? Download this quick checklist to see where the heck all of your time is going.
Say no:
- There’s a lot that I want to do. Seriously, the list grows everyday. Still knowing when to say nope is crucial. I can’t do it all (even though I think I can) and until I get those “people” we talked about earlier, I’m going to have to table some things until I can get to them without spreading myself WAY too thin.
Television + internet:
- So, TV… it’s good. The internet is crazy addictive. They are both black holes! Getting sucked into too much TV has left many a project half done. The same with all of the goodness of the internet. I try to narrow down the number of TV shows I commit too. Right now there are about two. Outside of that, I let the DVR take over so I can watch things when I have time.
Those are my secrets for making the most of the day without completely losing it and without Oprah’s people. How do you squeeze the most out of your day?
I am crazy busy right now. I needed to read these tips!
carol recently posted…Apple Crumble Baked Apples – A Healthy Alternative
You are right TV and the internet is SUCH a timer taker. I find if the TV is on I do nothing so I keep it off until everything is completed.
Jeanette recently posted…Monogrammed Glitter Ornament Tutorial
I love this! Even the title is so powerful! We have all the potential that our heroes have.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted…Snowman Cupcakes Recipe
These are great points. I can get easily distracted if I have the TV on. I’d love to be more productive.
Liz Mays recently posted…Have a Terrific Lady Day
One of my bad habits is playing app games on my tablet. I only do it for 5-10 minues at a time but if I don’t watch myself I do it SO man ytimes in a day that it really does add up.
Emily recently posted…Silly Billyz ~ Eat, Play, Sleep Bibs + Giveaway (US) 12/24
I can totally relate with you. With my busy schedule, I can easily get overwhelmed.
Maurene recently posted…Simple Santa Gift Idea
I have such a busy schedule and with a family too, it can get overwhelming. Thank you for the tips I needed them.
These are great tips to get the most out of a day. It is important to plan and prepare ahead so you can focus only on what you need to at the time. I love how you have a list of must dos and another list of would like to do. Thanks for the tips.
Wonderful points. I often feel 24 hours isn’t enough, but when I set my mind to getting things done they do….
I am the worst procrastinator! I really need to step up my game this coming year so I can get more done!!
ricci recently posted…Airport Style ft. French Connection
I totally agree! One of my biggest problems is learning how to say no. Many times my schedule is so packed that I do not have time for what really is important.
Alanna B recently posted…Give The Gift Of Cloth! Get A FREE One-size Cloth Diaper From Kelly’s Closet – Plus Other Discount Codes!
With working from home full time and having a three month old, I am busy to say the least. These are great tips!
I’m trying to schedule my day better so that I have more time to do fun things. These are great tips.
lisa recently posted…Family Holiday Traditions: Video Game Night
Making a plan for the day is a great way to stay on track. I like to set an alarm in the evening for when i need to shut off the computer and focus on myself. If i don’t i end up working all night.
Making a plan is really a key to get the most out of your day. These are awesome tips.
Dogvills recently posted…Candy Cane Doggie Biscuits with NO Artificial Coloring!
Very valid points. We probably all watch more TV and spend more time than we should on the internet as well. Thank you for sharing.
Digna recently posted…UglySnuglies – Fun Oversized Stuffed Animals that Teach Kids Lessons
I think planning and saying no are the biggest for me. I am looking for new ways to get organized.
Up Run for Life recently posted…13 Fun Ways to Stay Active This Winter
These are very good tips. I am guilty of rushing into the day without planning very well so I come home exhausted from the day’s work. I will seriously take your tips into consideration.
Annemarie LeBlanc recently posted…Family-Friendly Airports and Airlines
What a great way to put it into perspective. If Oprah can get so many things done in 24 hours why can’t I? I gotcha! I just wish I could get more done, I have more ideas to push my brand further bu not enough time to put it into action. this will help me!
Melissa recently posted…Minions DIY Christmas Ornaments
I really enjoy your posts. It’s like you speaking to me only every time you write. So needed to read this today.
Shanéy Maharaj recently posted…How to create a Magical Christmas on a Small Budget
Thank you so much! That absolutely means so much. 🙂
This sounds like a great goal to make. I need to schedule my day better for sure!
Shannon Gurnee recently posted…Making Wishes Come True This Holiday Season #WishesDelivered
True, I don’t need nor do I want any more hours. I’m good with these 24. It’s better to learn to manage what we have. 🙂
Notorious Spinks recently posted…‘Tis the Season with Cricket Wireless and Save Big #STSA {sponsored}
These are all great tips for those of us with super busy lives. Thanks for sharing!
Marcia @ Menopausal Mother recently posted…Fun Friday Guest Post By Vikki Claflin
When I do what I’m supposed to, I plan for my day ahead of time. BUT I actually have to DO IT! Lol. I can get distracted by a new book or a marathon of fixer upper quick! And I hate those “you have the same amount of time as Oprah or Bey. They have people!!!LOL!
Lashawn recently posted…Randoms on a Friday
Exactly! If I had a staff of people… man, the world is not ready! lol
This was so inspiring to read tonight. I blog from home and I have a 16 month old with me full time, all the time so finding balance is hard. Plus I am not the most organized person and being a creative mind means it often wanders. I am going to try a few of your tips this week.
I love this because it focuses on working smarter. I’m definitely going to have to tackle working smarter to manage my blog, brand, new job and grad school. I’m taking your tips and RUNNING with them lol
I have lots of stuff that needs to be done right now. really need these tips. Thanks for sharing them up!
Ron@Cavitenio recently posted…Look How These Kids Reacted When They Are Told To Choose Between Christmas Gift For Their Parents or Themselves
Unplugging is my goal for this year. The internet always sucks up too much time.
– Kelly
We also began letting everyone take showers the night before on days we know would be extremely hectic. Oh man how much of a great idea that has been! Prep and Plan 🙂