Tips for Maximizing Time

I'm not sure why she's smiling...working from home and being a mom at the same time is not that easy.

These days it’s all about being productive.  From productive parenting to being productive at work, efficiency and good use of time are essential.  Since I am a mom and I work from home, I am doubly focused on, well, being focused.  I have learned that keeping a 2 and a 4 year old on track while also balancing a work schedule requires a lot of planning and discipline.  Here are a few of the things I do that really help me maximize my time:

• I do not work when the kids are awake unless my husband can be with them.
• To make the above work, I have to be really intentional about getting the day started.  It’s easiest for me to work ahead- whether it’s washing and drying dishes or picking toys up off the ground, I prefer to get it out of the way rather than leave it for an already hectic morning.  That way when morning dawns, I don’t start the day behind.
• Similarly, I work ahead for my actual job.  Since most of it is writing, I try to do all the writing for the following week THIS week.  This one is two-fold: 1) Deadlines are stressful and accomplishing something early motivates me and 2) If one of us gets sick or something comes up, I have some slack time and still get a pay check.
• Lastly, I minimize distractions with white noise.  My husband jokes that I get sensory overload and shut down.  It’s true- too many noises or voices at one time completely derail me.  I need a quiet, peaceful work space for maximum productivity.  (I also use white noise for my kids’ rooms so they can sleep through my phone calls and the seagulls squawking.  If they’re not sleeping, I’m not working, and nobody gets to eat.)

Those really are the keys to my success.  Now if only someone would buy me this sit or stand work station, I’d really be lengthening my invoices.