Time Management Tip: Evaluate how you’re spending your time
This morning I woke up early, got my kiddo dressed, fed, and ready for school. I showered and took her into school where we waited for ten minutes, chatting with other kids and parents before the doors opened to allow the kids inside. I went back home, brewed another cup of coffee, watched a few minutes of Live with Kelly and Ryan until my mom came over, then we went back into school for an awards ceremony. We were there for thirty minutes, went back home, I pulled into the driveway to drop her back at her car, ran an order of handmade soap to our local bank ladies, then went to Target to return some clothes I bought for Declare that didn’t fit (that new line y’all. Sigh.) Then I went to Starbucks to work so I wouldn’t have to run home and back through construction traffic for a meeting two hours later. After the meeting I got home in time to do a little more work before getting my kiddo ready for her soccer game, which I had to leave early from to go to our church women’s conference kick-off. I got home late and crashed into bed after setting my alarm for 6:30 am on a Saturday so I could head back to church for half the conference before leaving to help my mom at a craft show and then go back to church for a dinner.
My time can get away from me, even on the slowest days. We all of obligations and commitments, meetings and appointments. Some things just can’t be helped. But when it comes to the little spaces of time that we just seem to lose track of, how do we capture those and make them spaces in our day where we can either work or rest? Take a few days to use some kind of tool to evaluate how you spend your time. You can use RescueTime to see how you’re spending time online, or find a tracker that you can print out to use. You might be surprised at how much time you actually DO have to do all those things you’d like to do, once you see clearly where those minutes and hours are going.
Inspiration: “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7
Resource (affiliate link): The Fringe Hours by Jessica Turner
If anyone knows how to take their time captive and make it work for them, it’s this woman. I loved this book when it first came out and think the resources she offers along with it are really valuable. Not only will you discover how to find those extra little moments in your day, she’ll offer encouragement and practical advice about how to make your use of that time – what she calls your “fringe hours” – effective.
