“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Col. 3:23 NLT
By: Melissa Bell
Do you wear multiple hats and ever wonder how everything will get done?
As a wife, mother, executive director of a women’s ministry, blogger, podcaster, and homeschool parent, it is easy for me to feel exhausted and overwhelmed. Recently, I found myself in such a place. Everything seemed like a chore. I sighed more than I smiled. I felt like I was failing at every turn. And my loved ones were paying the price for it.
One morning I sat with God and asked, “Exactly how am I supposed to get all of this done? If you have called me to this, show me how to do it.” And He did! Before long, I had a list of ways to minimize distractions and maximize my efforts. Implementing these strategies has been life changing!
“If you don’t plan your time, someone else will help you waste it.” – Zig Zigler
Here are some of the adjustments that helped me utilize my time more wisely. Note: in a previous blog, I discussed identifying three to five target areas for this season of your life. If you missed it, you can read it here. You might find that applying these suggestions to those target areas will help you as well.
- Set your alarm. Wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual, carving out extra time to spend time with God or work out before the house wakes up. Bonus is you can have a cup of coffee in peace and quiet.
- Place timers on your social media accounts. I cannot be the only one who gets caught up in others’ vacation photos – the time goes by in a blink!
- Block scheduling. This strategy has been a lifesaver as I did not realize how much time was spent answering texts, phone calls, and emails, not to mention the distraction it creates for the task at hand. Now I dedicate chunks of time to homeschooling, writing, and working. During these times, my phone is on “Do Not Disturb,” and I respond when my schedule allows.
- Consolidate tasks. I often bring my computer to my kids’ practices, so I can get work done. This allows me to be present with my family when they are home.
- Meal planning. This task is my least favorite, but it saves so much time, energy, and money. I create the upcoming week’s meal plan on Fridays and utilize grocery pick-up on Saturday mornings.
- Laundry and cleaning schedules. I find these schedules are very useful because they keep all of the tasks from piling up.
Finally, if none of these adjustments resonate or if the thought of implementing them creates stress, start with something small.
I would challenge you to end each day with what I call the “Million Dollar” question:
“What can I do now that I will appreciate tomorrow?” The answer is almost always different. Some days it is unloading the dishwasher or setting the coffee pot while other times it may be taking a walk or going to bed early.
The point is to try to identify some adjustments in your life that will help create margin. Both you and your family will be better for it!
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