As a mom and an entrepreneur you know the value of time because you simply have too little of it. Learning some simple strategies that can add minutes and maybe even hours to your day could be the means to attain that perfect balance that all moms strive to achieve.
You have the best job in the world, the most difficult, demanding, stressful, rewarding job in the world; you are a mom. Of all the jobs you could ever have, its important for you to recognize that this is the most important. Lucky for you, since you are a business owner as well, most women are natural-born multi-taskers. Being a mom and a business owner is unquestionably a huge challenge. Finding a way to balance everything while still having time for you can seem virtually impossible. Between meetings, maintaining your home, soccer games, changing diapers and so much more, how can you possibly find the time you need to get it all done? The following are some tips that may help you to find the extra time that you need to create that healthy balance between business and family that all busy moms want to maintain:
1. Keep an agenda. Schedule your work time and your family time in advance. At the beginning of each week, schedule some family outings or activities. Dont wait until the end of your work day when you are too tired to schedule these activities or else you may find yourself penciling in TV time instead. Dont let your work time intrude on your family time. Your schedule should be based on your priorities.
2. Make a to-do list. This is a simple step that can help you get big results. You will be surprised at how much more productive you will be by taking this small action. Make a list of the things you would like to accomplish each day at work and at home. A list will help to keep you on track and focused. Being focused will allow you to get things done faster, and as a result, you will simply accomplish more.
3. Look for ways to cut down on everyday tasks. For example, when making supper, make enough so that you have leftovers. This will allow you to either freeze them for another supper, or have them at lunch the next day. Try to find a grocery store in your area that provides a delivery service. These changes alone will save you a substantial amount of time that could be spent with your family.
4. Delegate. If you have employees, take some of the less important tasks off your plate and delegate. If you don't have employees, you can outsource to gain extra time. Today there are very few tasks that cant be outsourced. Virtual Assistants can handle administrative functions, Accountants and Bookkeepers can manage your finances and there are even companies to which you can outsource your sales or customer service duties.
5. Delegate some more. Get your entire family involved in household maintenance. Giving your children a few small chores to do might upset them, but the extra time that you are able to spend with them will make it worth the fuss. Remember, the less you have to do yourself, the more time you will be able to spend with your family.
6. Avoid distractions while working. If you are a work-from-home mom, the distractions you face on a daily basis can seem never-ending. Establish some simple rules for your friends, family and for yourself. Set work hours and stick to them. Inform your family and friends of these hours so that they know not to drop by for an unexpected visit or call to chat. If possible, dont answer personal calls during work hours. If you have very young children, consider hiring a babysitter for a few hours a day to allow you some uninterrupted work time.
7. If possible, only check your email 3-4 times a day at set times. Although email was created to be a time-saver, in some cases it has the opposite effect and can actually be counter productive.
It may seem impossible at times, but there are ways to increase the amount of quality time you have for your family and yourself each day. These are simple steps that make only small changes in your day, but may allow you to gain some extra hours with your family. It is possible to have it all and to have it balanced as well.
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