If you can honestly say that you don’t struggle with time management, I applaud you my love! Because as organized as I am, I still have issues from time to time being able to balance all of it. There just seems to never be enough time!
For me, I need to write everything I need to do down or else I can easily get distracted with non-important things. Time blocking has worked wonders for me!
Some people are happy with a regular 9-5 lifestyle. Though, I know that most of my readers are girl bosses who are constantly working towards their goals and side hustles. If you want to be able to focus on your side hustle as well, getting a hold of your time and managing it accordingly is super important.
So, how do we do it? How do we achieve everything we want to and still have time for ourselves without feeling completely burned out?
As the saying goes…. “Kill Two Birds with One Stone”
Optimize your time by combining certain tasks. This doesn’t necessarily mean multi-tasking because that may be counter-productive. If there are a couple of things that can be done simultaneously without problem, then do them together. Some examples may be working out with your significant other to spend time together; during your lunch breaks, work on your blog posts if you are a blogger or return clients emails if you are a part-time Realtor; on your commute to work, do research on your side hustle.
These are just a few simple ways you can use “dead time” and turn it into constructive use of time which will add to you accomplishing your goals even more.
Train Yourself to Be Self-Disciplined
Self-discipline takes effort and time to develop. It’s not always easy; however it’s necessary if you want to take your life to a different level. I think a lot of people get motivation, willpower, and discipline confused. They are all separate and when it comes down to it, motivation and willpower mean nothing.
With self-discipline you correct and regulate your behavior to get shit done, even if you don’t feel like it. The moments when you really don’t feel like doing something but you make yourself do it anyway, that’s what will make you grow. You’ll become more driven, more dedicated, you’ll pick up better habits, and you’ll gain more confidence in yourself.
Be Committed To Your Goals
If you struggle with self-discipline, a good way to improve that is to make commitments and/or do something that will make you more likely do whatever it is you need to do.
If you’re a blogger/freelance worker you can set deadlines and even make them public to your readers or to whoever it may be. You’ll be way more motivated to complete something if other people are expecting it from you. You’ll gain discipline in no time.
Schedule Tasks into Your Daily Routines
I live my live by routines. I love making lists and planning my schedules in advance so I know what is in store for me this month or next month. This doesn’t work for everyone because we’re all different, but it’s definitely what has allowed me to do more each day. Wake up at the same time, have clothes laid out and your lunch packed, leave by a certain time, plan your day, write a to-do list, etc. It’s those little details of each day that lead to big changes in your life.
Something I started doing recently that has been working really well is scheduling certain tasks for specific days. I usually work on my blog and coaching business and hour to two hours each night after dinner. I tend to use certain days for certain tasks:
Mondays: researching new blog posts ideas
Tuesdays: editing blog posts and photos
Wednesdays & Thursdays: working on new coaching content
These are just a few ways I spread out tasks during the week so that everything gets touched on and it aligns with my schedule. Now, I don’t allow myself to work on anything EXCEPT those tasks for the day and I’ve been WAY more productive and consistent. This style of scheduling can be applied to anything in your life…cleaning, school work, clients, etc.
Similarly, routines set you up for success. For example, waking up early and on time will allow you to squeeze in things that you enjoy during the first couple hours of your day. These routines build habits and you’ll only get better at them!
Opportunity Cost & Sacrifices
Life will never be 100% balanced. That’s just reality. If you want to focus on something specific in your life, then other areas will likely receive less attention.
For me I don’t spend much time doing “recreational/fun” activities. Why? I would rather be blogging or working on my coaching business which is a huge part of my future goal. That is something I willingly sacrifice, I’ve come to accept, and actually prefer.
If you want to run your own business you’re going to have to give up watching TV all the time and scrolling through social media.
My favourite: “If it takes less than five minutes, do it!”
This simple rule has been a life changer for me. If I notice I am procrastinating on something I think to myself, “No that’ll take a couple minutes, just do it.” And then I do it.
These tasks may seem so minuscule and unimportant, but living by this rule does a couple of things for you: You’ll gain more confidence and trust in YOURSELF because you’re getting these things done and not allowing yourself to push them off and you’re making your life so much easier by just getting whatever it is out of the way.
Time is one of our most valuable assets. You can never get it back and we are limited on how much is left. Manage your time how YOU want to live your life. If you’re working toward a certain goal that’s going to require everything I just mentioned. Juggling all areas of life is a challenge, but it will pay off in the long run!
With Love | Nikki xo