CONQUER YOUR DAY: A BUSY MUM'S GUIDE TO EFFECTIVE PLANNING

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant demands of work, family, and personal responsibilities. Between school runs, extracurricular activities, household chores, and the countless other tasks on our plates, it can often feel like there aren't enough hours in the day!

However, with a little planning and organisation, you can take control of your day and achieve more without sacrificing your sanity!

In this blog post, I'll look at some practical things you can do to help you plan your day and maximise your productivity, so you can enjoy more quality time with your loved ones.

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1. Set Clear Goals

The first step to great planning is to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish.

What tasks or activities are most important this week or this month?

Which ones will have the biggest impact on your long term goals?

Take a moment to reflect on what's most important to you before you run blindly into your day. Are you working towards a health goal? Are you planning a house move, or a holiday? Is there an important project that you're working on that needs to move forward?

Prioritise these goals and projects based on urgency and importance, and use them to help you identify your key tasks for the day.

2. Create a Prioritised To-Do List

Once you've reflected on your goals, take a minute to identify any tasks related to those goals that you'll want to get done for the day. Writing down your tasks is a simple but powerful way to stay organised. Whether you prefer a paper planner, a digital app like Notion, or a combination of both, creating a to-do list can help you keep track of everything you need to do.

In addition to goal-related tasks, there may be other tasks on your plate such as errands and other jobs that are on your radar. Write them all down! Once your tasks are written down, it's important to identify your top priorities for the day. Not all tasks are created equal. I like to order my tasks (e.g. 1,2,3,4 etc.) so that I know which ones I'll do first, second, third and so on. If you find you've got 25 tasks for the day, don't worry! My next point will help!

Remember to be specific and break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This will not only make your list feel less overwhelming, but it will also give you a greater sense of accomplishment as you check off each item.

You might not get all of your tasks done each day, but by prioritising your tasks and setting clear goals around what you want to get done each day, you'll ensure that you're getting the most important things done! I've also found that having a prioritised list is the best way to stay focused and make the most of your time.

3. Time Blocking

One of the most effective time management strategies is time blocking. This involves allocating specific time slots for different tasks and activities, allowing you to focus on one thing at a time. All tasks happen in time. Therefore, seeing the time you have available for tasks is a must.

This is a key strategy for me because, all too often, I have way more tasks on my plate than I could realistically get done in 24 hours! Thankfully, when you time block, you're creating a realistic plan of what can get done and when. If you can't fit all 25 of your tasks into the day, then you don't need to worry about the ones at the bottom of the list. Trust me. If they were that important, they wouldn't be at the bottom of your list. And if you still think they're that important, ask yourself whether that task needs to be done by you. Could you get someone else to take it on, especially if you feel it needs to get done that day?

This is another reason why it's important to prioritise your list. When blocking off time for your tasks, start with the highest priority and work your way down your list. That way, you'll know you're getting the most important things done!

By creating a visual representation of how your day will unfold, you can better identify any potential conflicts in your schedule, and make adjustments to suit.

4. Use a Planner or Calendar

A planner or digital calendar is crucial for busy people like you and I. It allows you to view your schedule at a glance, set reminders, and see your available time. Remember what we said earlier? All tasks happen in time. And having an overview of your available time can also help you reduce the number of tasks on your plate by putting you in a better position to turn down any extra tasks that may come up during the week.

By having all your appointments and commitments in one place, you can avoid over scheduling yourself, and ensure that you've got enough time for your tasks and projects. A weekly or monthly view of your calendar can also help you to quickly identify any potential conflicts or see available gaps in your schedule.

5. Break Down Large Tasks

If you have any large or complex tasks, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But it's likely that such tasks are actually projects in disguise, and so breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps will make it feel more achievable. It will also help you stay motivated and on track, as you can celebrate small victories along the way.

For example, if you need to plan a birthday party for your child, start by making a list of all the tasks involved, such as sending invitations, planning the menu, and organising activities. Then, tackle each step one by one, rather than trying to tackle the entire event all at once.

If you find that these kind of projects come up repeatedly (even if it's once a year), then I highly recommend making a template for it. What does that mean? It means creating a task list of all the little jobs involved and keeping that task list filed for future reference whenever the project comes up again.

I keep project templates for things like;

• birthday parties

• picnics

• hospitality dinners

• beach trips

Essentially, any activity that we'll do again and again which involves multiple tasks that stay the same! What can you create project templates for in your life? Create the list once and re-use it over and over again!

A List Page inside our monthly stationery club.

6. Schedule Breaks

It's important to remember that you're not a machine. Scheduling regular breaks throughout the day can help you avoid burnout and maintain your energy levels. Adding some buffer time into your day gives you the space to take a breather and also helps if certain tasks end up taking longer than you think.

When you first start time blocking, chances are you'll underestimate how long things actually take, so having a buffer of time added to your day gives you the space to go over any planned timings without feeling the pressure of being "behind".

I recommend adding 1-2 hours of buffer time each day. If you've got little kids then the more buffer time you have, the better!

It's also great to take longer breaks, such as during lunchtime or giving yourself the evening off, to recharge and spend quality time with your family.

7. Be Flexible

Even the best-laid plans can be disrupted by unexpected events or last-minute changes. Be prepared to adapt and adjust your plan as needed. I know that nobody likes to have their plans derailed, but try to stay positive and focus on what you can control.

Perhaps an activity ran over, the car keys went missing or your child couldn't find their other shoe. By being flexible and willing to make changes on the fly, you can minimise the impact of these disruptions and keep your day on track.

If you feel really crunched for time, think about what you can drop from your day. It may mean letting go of one or two of those tasks at the bottom of your list. Remember that it's ok. Life happens and it's not the end of the world.

8. Review and Reflect

At the end of each day, take a few minutes to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. This will help you adjust your planning strategies accordingly. Were there any tasks that took longer than expected? Did you prioritise your time and energy well? Did you manage to make progress on your top 3 tasks for the day?

By taking the time to assess your day, you can learn from your experiences and continuously refine your approach to planning.

When I review my day, I also like to think about the things I'm grateful for that day. Even if it was a hard day, there's always something to be thankful for. And going to bed with a thankful heart helps me to wake up in a better, more positive mood.

9. Plan for Tomorrow

Before you call it a day, spend a few minutes planning for the next one. Review your goals, update your to-do list, and set yourself up for success. This will help you start the day with a clear focus and a sense of direction, ensuring that you can hit the ground running and make the most of your time.

By taking a proactive approach to your day, you won't be merely reacting to the whirlwind of life, you'll be steering your day towards your desired future. And in doing so, you'll reduce your stress, increase your productivity, and enjoy a happier life.

Effective planning is crucial for busy women like you and I. By using these strategies, you can increase your productivity, reduce stress, and find more balance in your life. Remember, it's not about perfection – it's about progress. Start small, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the journey. With a little practice and dedication, you'll be well on your way to conquering your day and making the most of every moment.

If you found this post helpful, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more tips and strategies to help you thrive. And don't forget to share this post with your friends – together, we can conquer our days and make the most of every moment. Remember, you've got this, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

Additional Tips and Resources

• Check out the book Atomic Habits by James Clear for tips on building productivity-boosting habits.

• Explore the Getting Things Done method by David Allen for a comprehensive approach to task management.

• Download our free daily planning worksheet to help you get started. ⤵️

Other posts you may like:

• How to Prioritise Your Tasks Like a Pro

• How to Know What You Need to Focus on Daily

• How to Make a Simple Plan to Win Your Week