Most parents have a busy schedule—making lunches, attending school events, trying to juggle work and a social life. Where does the time go? More often than not, it’s spent playing catch up. Maybe you missed an appointment or forgot to do a few things around the house. To help you get back on track, and stay on track, here are a few tips on for planning your month.
Stay Flexible
Unexpected events will always pop up throughout the month, so be sure to plan with these events in mind. If you already know there are times during the month where events tend to pop up unexpectedly, such as during the weekend or towards the end of the month, try and plan fewer meetings and tasks during that time.
Consider what tasks can be delegatedto the rest of your family, too. If your partner can take care of tasks, or if your children are old enough to do some chores, do not hoard all the duties to yourself when your family can pitch in. Along with making extra for unexpected events, be sure to also carve out time to give yourself a moment to breathe. Whether you want to specifically add in time for meditation, fitness, or simply an hour for some self-care, add downtime into your monthly plan.
Write it Down
While electronics such as your laptop and smartphone are great for quick reminders, taking the time to physically write down your monthly tasks is a huge gamechanger. Create a master calendar that blocks off time that you need to be home—whether it’s for the repairman to fix your ACor to help your kids with homework. Keep your monthly plan in one single spot that you can visit daily to digest what your priorities are.
Another great strategy in mapping out your month is to take into consideration when you’re most productive or when you have the most time to get things done. For example, if you typically get nothing done in the morning because you are spending time with the kids, or you just aren’t at the top of your game when you first wake up, plan out your meeting and tasks starting in the afternoon. Make sure you create a realistic scheduleas you plan.
Have an Accountability Partner
Similar to getting in your weekly workouts, it is all too easy to make an excuse for not accomplishing the tasks you set out to do. Whether you find a friend, co-worker, or your spouse, have someone to turn to that will nudge you back in the right direction if you start to miss items on your monthly plan.
Make Sure You Have an Independent Workspace
Trying to get work done at home is hard, especially if you work typically in a full house. No matter your family size, be sure to have a separate space, such as a home office, to plan and to get work done. Ideally, this will be a separate room that has plenty of natural light to keep your energy level high and is free of distractions, like a television.
Prioritize the Big Items
When planning out your month make sure you prioritize the big itemsthat must get done. Similar to being flexible in your monthly schedule, you need to make sure that the biggest items on your list get done first, as opposed to the low-hanging fruit that could be put off a little bit longer.
For example, you don’t want to miss a big meeting with a client because you were too busy getting the laundry done. In the same vein, if your family cook at home a lot, it may be worth your while to focus on getting the dishes done in a timely manner as opposed to the laundry. Each family is different so be sure to create priorities directly based on your family’s needs
Some great tips here. Especially about writing things down, my memory is so bad. Thank you. #KCACOLS
Great tips, I always have to write stuff down too #KCACOLS
Great reminders. I think having an accountability partner is a good idea, because redundancy is a good insurance policy.
Yes to writing it down because then it’s a lot more clearer and also prioritising the most important things because at the end of the day and anything else can wait that isn’t important X #twinklytuesday
Planning, prioritising and delegating are the key skills for any sucessful household.
#abitofeverything
Yes, you can’t beat writing things down! #DreamTeam
This is actually great advice, I agree that sometimes having reminders on paper makes more sense, I can visually look at it, as I seem to miss things on my phone #StayClassyMama
Yes! Prioritize, delegate, and focus on when you are most productive. Love this! #outdoorsymommy.com
Great tips. I make a lot of lists when I know I’m going to be busy, though I still end up winging it. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time.
Acountability planner/partner…that’s what I need to think about at the moment. Good post. #Stayclassymama
Great tips! I find a year planner on the wall is great for seeing at a glance when we’re on holiday and away on business trips. Thanks for joining #WowOnWednesday!
Some great tips here, especially having your own work space. I work in the lounge at the minute and am always getting distracted, a dedicated space would help with my productivity #thatfridaylinky
This is so important! Planning is the only way to make sure you’re on top of everything and nothing gets missed #pocolo
I have to write everything down on a wall planner where i can see the whole month in one go, it helps me juggle things around when people need to change their plans #pocolo
Really useful tips – especially for those who aren’t the most organised! Thanks for sharing with #TriumphantTales.
What’s that saying? Tidy house, tidy mind? You’re definitely onto something! I find myself having little episodes where I need to spritz everything because I haven’t prioritised it in a while and just can’t stand it anymore! #KCACOLS
I write lists and have a calendar/diary to keep track of things but it is so complicated with 5 of us! Thanks for linking up with #stayclassymama
These are some great tips! I definitely have to write everything down! #KCACOLS
Writing it down is a big one – if it’s not written down in our house don’t expect me to remember it! #ThatFridayLinky