Ep. 33 Purposeful Time Management
In this episode about purposeful time management, we ask two important questions:
What are the most important ways for us to spend our time?
How can we protect that time and use it in the most intentional way possible?
These answers create the foundation of our priorities and discipline in getting to work. This strategy goes far beyond planners, lists, and apps and has truly helped us learn to get what matters done!
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3 tips to be more purposeful with your time
Tip #1: Get a visual overview of how you spend your time
Look at your weekly schedule and find the handful of areas you spend most of your time and list them.
Kristin found that her time usually was divided into four major categories: present mom time, work time, family time, leisure/alone time.
Tip #2: Set boundaries and permissions for your time categories.
Now that you know HOW you’re spending your time, look at each category and set boundaries around how you spend time within each one. Setting boundaries in one area often also gives you permission in another area.
For example: If you ONLY work during your scheduled work time, you have permission to relax on the evenings and weekends and enjoy not feeling like you should be working instead.
If you give your kids your full attention during your “mom time” you don’t need to feel guilty for stepping away to work.
Listen to the episode to hear how Kristin protects her work and leisure time with what she chooses NOT to do while her kids are sleeping!
Tip #3: Learn to use your time in each category REALLY well.
By making the most of each time category while you’re in it, you’re better able to focus when it’s time for the other categories. You can use your time well by:
Planning Your Weeks
Set aside time on Sunday evenings or Monday mornings to decide how you’ll spend your time in each category and make sure you’re using your time in the best ways. We also like using this time to review our goals and make sure we’re on the right track.
Resisting Distraction
Learn to do “deep work.” This kind of work allows you to access inspiration and do more valuable, proactive projects. Every time you resist distraction (both throughout the day and while you’re doing this deep work), you’re building the muscle for concentration.
Reevaluating Your Leisure Time
Prioritize your leisure time and do something TRULY restful so that the other areas of your life have the energy and focus they deserve.
Is what you’re doing to relax something truly rejuvenating? Ask yourself how you feel afterwards for your answer. Improving your leisure time improves all areas of your life!
links mentioned in this episode:
Kristin’s Favorite Thing: A simple to do app called TeuxDeux
Laura’s Favorite Thing: The TV Series, Brooklyn Nine Nine
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