by Debbie Ruston, Featured Contributor
Many parents find that they just can’t get everything done they want to do because of conflicting priorities that come up with raising children. Although my kids are grown now, I definitely remember the days when there were conflicting priorities, which of course change as our families grow. We feel like we need more time in the day, and don’t know where to get it. By the time the kids are in bed and you do have time, you are too tired to get to those priorities that got put on the back burner.
There are all sorts of time management articles written, that give you tips and tricks that are effective. The key of course is to implement what resonates with you.
A very simple solution I implemented many years ago, to give myself more time, was starting my day at 5 am. I had been resisting that idea for years, not being a morning person, and it took some time to adjust my internal clock, however, it is one of the best things I have implemented to get things done that were causing that stress. It is quiet, uninterrupted time that doesn’t take you away from family or other business responsibilities and sets you up for the day feeling like you have accomplished so much before you even have breakfast. You are not tired out from the day, you do not beat yourself up because you finished the day too tired to do these tasks, and you get far more done with no interruptions.
The other important key is to keep the commitments you make to yourself. We wear many hats and have lots of priorities. We have careers, family obligations, personal fitness, etc. If you don’t have a plan you follow to allocate your time, time does tend to get away from you. The best way I have found around that is use a daytimer, schedule every single thing that is a priority, and stick to my plan. If life happens to get in the way and you don’t get to something, take the personal responsibility to reschedule it and don’t let it fall through the cracks.
These are both very simple solutions but highly effective. Something else I have learned is to not overlook the simplicity of something…it is often where our solutions are found.
That’s excellent Marcia. Keep in mind, it takes time for your internal clock to change, and it is easier to stay in bed when that alarms goes off. Just push through it and keep at it, and you will find it gets easier and easier, and your internal clock will adjust. Keep me posted:)
Debbie,
You’ve given me the motivation to get up earlier than I normally do – perhaps not 5am. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Hi Brian
Thanks so much for the feedback…happy to hear you are finding value. I am like you, it was a real struggle initially to get used to the 5 am starts, but now I wake up automatically at that time. All good, it also allows me to get more done and enjoy having those full days when I am off too:)
Best regards
Debbie
Debbie, I have been following you for a few months now and I generally agree with your overall philosophy.
On this item (Conflicting Priorities) I think you were spot on. I have been basically been doing the same thing (5:00 AM start) for many years. Now that I don’t need the extra couple hours in the morning I am so used to getting up then I wake right up at 5 AM.
There must be someone I can sue!
Tahnks for the article Debbie.
Brian Huckabee