I always get TONS of requests on info on how I do everything, so ... in November on Tuesday and Thursdays I'm going to have Time Management 101 with tips for balancing family, hubby, life, job, friends, house, etc.
I
realize the "life" doesn't begin "after this deadline" or "this book
release" or "when my books sell X number." Life is happening today. So
I can either live in a mess ... setting myself up for failure, or live
successfully. I chose the latter. I’m striving to live a sustainable
life. I don’t want to burn myself out.
I’ve given myself
permission to set a schedule that works for me. I use Microsoft
Outlook, and I schedule in EVERYTHING. From waking up and having
morning quiet time, to straightening the house, to making dinner, to
working on a book proposal—it’s all on the calendar. This works for me
because it helps me to be realistic with my daily goals. In I have a
day packed with other things, I can’t write 2,000 words … and I don’t
stress myself out thinking I should. I also like to check things off a
list.
Now for actual stuff. I'll start with what I think is most important and work through the list from there.
Family/Friends:
1 -4 here!
5.
I multi-task. I read galleys or research books as I exercise on my
recumbent bike. I read magazines while I blow dry my hair. I take my
notebook computer into the kitchen and answer emails as I wait for the
water to boil or wait for the chicken to bake.
6. I take my
kids out to lunch once a month for one-on-one time. I don’t talk on the
cell-phone or listen to the radio when I’m driving them around—instead
I use that time to connect. We hang out nearly every night. We watch TV
together, go over homework, or talk. I rarely schedule evening events
beyond Wednesday church and Monday small group.
7. My husband and I go on a date once a week, and we read our Bible and pray together every morning.
8. I have lunch with friends about once a week. I just started this within the last few months, and I need it.
