The goal of every working mom is to have more time. But with everyone having the same 168 hours a week, protecting your time for what matters most can be a challenge.
Oftentimes, it’s a lack of strategy and systems that lead to overwhelm. Maybe you discover too late that your kid’s school play is tonight, but you have a presentation due tomorrow.
Sound familiar?
Today, I’ll share a time management system that will help you reduce overwhelm, have better visibility, and save hours without spending money on outsourcing. I’ll cover how to prepare, how the system works, and how you can start today.
What Is Time Management?
Time management is all about using your time efficiently and productively, especially at work. For working moms in leadership or aspiring to it, time management is more than just managing your own time—you’re managing your team’s, your children’s, and maybe even your elderly parents’.
Moms who implement time management strategies become more self-aware and intentional with their time.
Download now: Free Time Tracking Google Sheet
Why Is Time Management Important?
Statistics show that working parents have less than 3 hours a day for themselves—less than 13% of their week. This makes personal and professional development difficult, especially if you’re aiming to advance your career, provide stability for your family, or take care of your mental and physical health.
A solid time management strategy helps you prioritize the most important activities for your career, family, and personal goals. It also allows you to eliminate tasks that don’t serve you, meaning you won’t have to spend money on outsourcing.
Time Management Examples
If time management seems overwhelming, I understand. But breaking it down into simple examples can help you get started today.
Example #1: Time Tracking
Track how you spend your time. This might sound tedious, but it’s one of the most effective strategies for regaining control of your time. Plus, you only need to track occasionally to stay on track.
Here are some great time tracking apps:
With time tracking, you’ll gain visibility into how you’re using your time, whether it’s for household chores or managing your kids’ screen time.
Example #2: Batching
Avoid task switching by batching similar tasks together. This allows you to focus on one type of work during a dedicated block of time.
For example, I batch all my blog writing into one day each month, typically finishing 2-4 posts in that time. To implement batching, look for tasks you regularly do and schedule a block of time to complete them all at once.
Example #3: Time Blocking
Time blocking involves scheduling “blocks” of time on your calendar in advance to handle specific tasks. For instance, if you have a work presentation and your child’s school play in the same week, plan time blocks for the presentation so you won’t miss the play.
Look for creative ways to make time blocks fit, such as bringing your laptop to your kids’ swim practice.
Tips for Time Management Success
Here are some tips to help you maximize the time management strategies for working moms:
First, Don’t Rely on Memory
Write down your to-dos and appointments in a system designed to remember them for you. This reduces your mental load and helps you stay on top of tasks.
For example, when my husband told me about a business dinner one Tuesday, I immediately added it to my calendar and set a reminder on my phone. This ensured I wouldn’t forget about it, reducing stress and freeing up mental space.
Related Post: 5 Thought Processing Tools to Clear Your Head
Next, Make Time for It
When you implement time management strategies, you need to maintain and upkeep them in order for them to work for you.
In other words, you need to set aside time on a rolling basis to manage them.
To get started:
- 5 minutes a day to plan the following day.
- 1 hour a week to plan the following week.
- 3 hours a month to plan the following month.
- 6 hours a quarter to plan the following quarter.
- 1 full day a year to plan the following year.
Finally, Plan for Space
Nowadays, people prefer to over schedule themselves, as well as their families because it makes us feel productive and successful being “busy”.
If you want to shortcut your success, you can’t overlook this crucial step. You have to plan space within your calendar!
Space is necessary not only to rest and recuperate, but also to accommodate changes of plans beyond your control.
Start Your Time Management Strategy Today
I hope this guide on time management strategies for working moms has been helpful. Remember, time is your most valuable asset—use it intentionally.
Start by tracking your time, then implement the strategies that work best for you. You’ll be on your way to mastering your time in no time!
Ready to give it a try? Grab your free Time Tracking Google Sheet and see where your time is going.
