Good Morning!! Today I want to talk to you about Time Management! :) If you've been in one of my challenges or the Summer Body Bootcamp, then you know how important this is, however, for those who haven't joined the community, it’s sooo very important and I feel it needs addressed! :) I know this may sound silly, but having efficient time management can make a WORLD of difference in your life, especially when you start a new fitness program, so it fits into your life seamlessly! When you’re organized and efficient you’ll find you generally have MORE time to relax and enjoy with your loved ones AND you’ll feel less stressed. So how on earth do we accomplish that?! I’m going to share a few basic tips:
1) Use a SCHEDULE!! - aka Have a plan for your time. And most importantly - SCHEDULE YOUR WORKOUTS! (Literally, schedule them for every day so you know when you’ll be getting your workout in. Otherwise it’s too easy to let an excuse pop up.)
There are several different options here:
A) List everything in my phone calendar so that you get an alarm or notification.
B) Put the details in a desk calendar (this helps add more detail, brainstorm, and let the creative juices flow). If you're a visual learner, this is wonderful!
C) Keep a dry erase calendar in a common area in the house so everyone can add various events, and know where each will be on certain dates/times.
If you need additional tips for scheduling please contact me. I could probably write an entire book on it LOL!
2) Make and Prioritize your to-do list - this goes along with your schedule BUT you’ll feel much more at ease when you have a list of what needs done (so you won’t feel like you’re forgetting anything) AND you can cross things of said list. Adding to that - focus on one thing at a time (science has proven that multi-tasking is NOT a good work method) and you'll get through that list much quicker!
3) Don't over commit. Period. Believe it or not, it IS okay to say NO when others ask you to do something or help with something. All you do is politely decline. "Thank you so much for thinking of me, but unfortunately I have other obligations at this time." Whether you have something else going on OR it's cutting into family time, it doesn't matter, all they need to know is that you are unavailable. I find that people will generally argue with you if you say you don't want to, or you aren't sure if you have time, but what they won't argue with is your firm schedule. Make sure you stick to your priorities (hint: family and YOURSELF should be one of them).
4) Develop routines. For example: each evening I make a to-do list of things that need to get done the next day. This helps me sleep better since I'm not laying awake thinking of everything that needs done. Each morning I plan out my day so I have a general schedule to get things done. On weekends I meal plan and prep so I can make sure I stay on track for the week ahead. You don't have to do these things, I just want to let you know what helps me. Find your routine!
5) Outsource tasks or delegate - Identify tasks that someone else can do so you can remove them from your plate and free up time and stress. Example: hire someone to clean your house (it's actually pretty inexpensive), give kids chores such as dishes, laundry, or taking out the trash, etc.
6) Last but not least - Leave time for fun and play!!
My system may not work for you, just like your system may not work for me. The important part is to get organized with your time. Whether that's on your phone, an app, a wall calendar, desk calendar, etc. Find something that works for YOU and your household and implement it! Once you get things organized, you'll likely find that other areas of your life free up, you have less anxiety, and you won't feel like you're running a rat race since you'll be better equipped to prep for each day/week.
Whew!!! When you've read this, I'd love for you to email me and let me know what system you currently use to help manage your time and if this was helpful on how you might be able to improve.
--------------------------
I also wanted to give you a few quick resources on time management:
Chalene Johnson offers an amazing free video series on the topic. You can here more about the series here https://youtu.be/
Another great video with Brian Tracy, author of one of my favorite books, "Eat That Frog" https://youtu.be/
Some of my favorite planners are:
Erin Condren: http://erincondren.com/
Plum Paper: http://plumpaper.com/
1) Use a SCHEDULE!! - aka Have a plan for your time. And most importantly - SCHEDULE YOUR WORKOUTS! (Literally, schedule them for every day so you know when you’ll be getting your workout in. Otherwise it’s too easy to let an excuse pop up.)
There are several different options here:
A) List everything in my phone calendar so that you get an alarm or notification.
B) Put the details in a desk calendar (this helps add more detail, brainstorm, and let the creative juices flow). If you're a visual learner, this is wonderful!
C) Keep a dry erase calendar in a common area in the house so everyone can add various events, and know where each will be on certain dates/times.
If you need additional tips for scheduling please contact me. I could probably write an entire book on it LOL!
2) Make and Prioritize your to-do list - this goes along with your schedule BUT you’ll feel much more at ease when you have a list of what needs done (so you won’t feel like you’re forgetting anything) AND you can cross things of said list. Adding to that - focus on one thing at a time (science has proven that multi-tasking is NOT a good work method) and you'll get through that list much quicker!
3) Don't over commit. Period. Believe it or not, it IS okay to say NO when others ask you to do something or help with something. All you do is politely decline. "Thank you so much for thinking of me, but unfortunately I have other obligations at this time." Whether you have something else going on OR it's cutting into family time, it doesn't matter, all they need to know is that you are unavailable. I find that people will generally argue with you if you say you don't want to, or you aren't sure if you have time, but what they won't argue with is your firm schedule. Make sure you stick to your priorities (hint: family and YOURSELF should be one of them).
4) Develop routines. For example: each evening I make a to-do list of things that need to get done the next day. This helps me sleep better since I'm not laying awake thinking of everything that needs done. Each morning I plan out my day so I have a general schedule to get things done. On weekends I meal plan and prep so I can make sure I stay on track for the week ahead. You don't have to do these things, I just want to let you know what helps me. Find your routine!
5) Outsource tasks or delegate - Identify tasks that someone else can do so you can remove them from your plate and free up time and stress. Example: hire someone to clean your house (it's actually pretty inexpensive), give kids chores such as dishes, laundry, or taking out the trash, etc.
6) Last but not least - Leave time for fun and play!!
My system may not work for you, just like your system may not work for me. The important part is to get organized with your time. Whether that's on your phone, an app, a wall calendar, desk calendar, etc. Find something that works for YOU and your household and implement it! Once you get things organized, you'll likely find that other areas of your life free up, you have less anxiety, and you won't feel like you're running a rat race since you'll be better equipped to prep for each day/week.
Whew!!! When you've read this, I'd love for you to email me and let me know what system you currently use to help manage your time and if this was helpful on how you might be able to improve.
--------------------------
I also wanted to give you a few quick resources on time management:
Chalene Johnson offers an amazing free video series on the topic. You can here more about the series here https://youtu.be/
Another great video with Brian Tracy, author of one of my favorite books, "Eat That Frog" https://youtu.be/
Some of my favorite planners are:
Erin Condren: http://erincondren.com/
Plum Paper: http://plumpaper.com/
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