My top time management tips

Since I now allegedly have more time on my hands (I closed my home business to focus more on my family) I thought I would share my top time management tips with you!

Time management is something I have worked a lot on over these past few years. I want to squeeze the most I can out of every precious day! And I've found a formula that really works - at least for me! Here it is!

1. Have a to-do list

This gives your day direction and eliminates wasting time by wondering "What should I do now/next" - my favourite way to put off actually doing something!! I usually make mine first thing in the morning over a big mug of tea before the kids wake up!

2. Only put on the list what is actually achievable in a day

There is nothing more satisfying that crossing the final item off your list. Conversely there is nothing worse than the feeling of failure at surveying a half-completed list at the end of the day. I only put on my list what I know I can reasonably do in a day. That means I increase my chances of finishing it - and if I finish early (which I sometimes do!) I have guilt-free free time and can enjoy it knowing that everything that needs to be done is done...at least for today!

3. Don't be a slave to your list

Things don't always go according to plan, especially if you have kids around so be willing to change your plans and adapt accordingly. Sometimes that means letting things on your list (or the entire list!) wait to tomorrow. Trying to cram the extra things on just adds to the stress. Time management is not all about being a slave to a schedule. A to do list is meant to help to structure your day and ensure you get important things done, not become a strait-jacket (I learned this the hard way!!)

4. Don't take on too many different things

I am becoming increasingly convinced that multi-tasking is a myth! When I try to spread myself too thin and do too many different things, I end up stressed out and flustered with a trail of half-finished tasks in my wake. It is better to do a few things well  than many things badly. Figure out what is really important to you and spend the bulk of your time on those.

5. Don't be afraid to say no

Even with the best time management strategy in place, there are still on 24 hours in a day (and most of us could probably do with spending a few more of them sleeping!!) It is not wrong to say "no" to opportunities which come our way, even those which are good things in and of themselves. If done graciously and honestly, you will not offend the asker. When presented with an opportunity, take time to think about it (and pray about it if you are a praying person!) before responding.


Time management is a constant struggle for us all, especially as the world is getting ever faster and more demanding. Multiple things compete for our attention every day. We need to be careful to spend our time on what is truly important (and necessary of course - jobs, cleaning etc have to be done!) so that we do not look back on this season of our lives with regret.