The leaves have started changing colors. Even in Texas, mornings are a bit chillier. I love that crisp morning air. I grab a light jacket for me and the kids as we walk out the door on our way to school in the morning.
I’m no longer trying to figure out the rhythms for our morning routines or our days in general. The weeks are more consistent, or that’s how it feels most days. I’ve had over a month to hit this stride, even with curve balls like our older son already getting a stomach bug and holidays. (Honestly, though, who needs two school holidays and early release for teacher work day even before Halloween? Sigh.)
I turn my attention to figure out what changes I want to make moving forward. What’s working and what’s not, whether on the home front or the professional side? Do I want to make changes that have immediate impact? Do I have ideas to start working on for early 2017? It might feel far way, but the changes I want to make for early next year need to start now.
I’m trying to be more productive with my time and keep all the balls in the air. My own theme for the month is head down and get it done. And that forces me to figure out my short-term and long-term goals and what steps I need to take to make things happen both now and in a few months. I have to be intentional with my days and plan ahead to best utilize my time. Being intentional allows me to be proactive. Being passive in my own life is something that doesn’t really sit well with me. I’m a goal setter and achiever and always have been.
And, as part of being more intentional, I’m trying to control my schedule so that I limit my in-person meetings and phone calls, so that I have time to work and actively participate in my boys’ schools for volunteering that I already signed up for. I’ve also been known to schedule things way in advance so that I can spread things out over time, but still make sure they’re on the calendar. I definitely limit my social stuff, both during the day (e.g., lunch with a friend or to network) and my evening stuff, which means I will miss out on some things right now that sound really fun. I keep reminding myself that there will be more times when I can join in the fun soon enough.
Here are five things that have helped me be more intentional with my time and allowed me to make changes happen in my life and business:
Am I using time wisely?
- How am I spending my “extra” time on? Am I spending more time on things that don’t add value to my day? (Helpful tool to start tracking your time. Track it over a week in 15 minute increments on a Word document or Excel spreadsheet. You’ll be surprised about the little bits of time you can find here and there.)
- I will also add that I’m looking at getting a VA for a few hours each week to help unload some things, which will allow me to work on more valuable things.
- And when I need that social outlet, I try to do something that I already need to do. For example, instead of meeting for coffee or lunch, could you meet to work out? Bring your phone in case you need to take a note about something or record yourself as a reminder.
No thanks, my plate is full
- I was recently asked to help out with a new tennis program that our older son is participating in. He LOVES tennis (at least he does right now), which I’m excited about because I love tennis. I don’t have time right now to get involved and they really tried to get me to meet and help.
- Does this sound familiar? If so, here is a helpful hint: Don’t feel the need to explain why.Try these instead:
- “I can’t right now.”
- “I don’t have time, but thank you for thinking of me” is a graceful way to say “no.” It requires no more explanation and isn’t too aggressive or passive.
- If you want to say “yes” to only part of what’s being asked, then do that: “I can’t do X, but I can do Y and that’s what I’m able to do at this time.” Nice and simple and says “no” but still allows you to participate a little if you want.
Bite size goals
- I have my big goals broken down into smaller goals that I need to achieve daily or weekly. I feel overwhelmed when I focus on the big goals only.
- Look at career and family goals in one place to break things down. Don’t have two completely different sets of goals. You have to get it all done, regardless of whether it’s home or family related, so a holistic view is really helpful.
Pre-planning the night before
- The night before is so important when you’re trying to be productive. I use the night before to plan what I’m working on the next day, especially since my prime work time is in the morning. I use the night before for kids to do things like help kids pick outfits for the next day. From a business perspective, though, it’s all about understanding my goals for the next day. That way, I hit the ground running at my prime work time when our boys are in school.
To do vs Did lists
- I have a to do list and a did list. It can help you see how far you’ve come on projects and we sometimes need that little boost to see our uber productive moments.
- Helpful hint: Even if it’s writing things down on paper and having the check marks next to things you accomplish, you want to see at least some things you have already completed. You can mark through online lists as well.
How are you making change happen in your professional or home life? Do you have tips or tricks that help you be more intentional? What are the types of changes you’re trying to implement in the short and long-term? I’d love to hear about them in the comments.
