A reader sent in this question about how to create balance in your life.
Question: What is your system for time management and getting everything done that you need to in all areas of life, kids, work, scrapbooking, etc? Sometimes it feels like I am playing a giant game of Whack a Mole…just when I get one area of my life settled and under control something pops up in another area. Any suggestions?
Answer: My approach to time management is to strive for balance — over time. During some months my “bucket” (to use the terminology from my e-book “the happy scrapper”) is full of family and kid stuff. This is especially true during November and December when we have big holidays, plus both of my children’s birthdays. In January through April, my bucket becomes more full of business stuff and I may be away from my family a few evenings a month for speaking engagements, networking events, client appointments and the like.
Here’s another example. A week ago, my daughter was sick so she stayed home with me during the day. I postponed a daytime client appointment (thanks to a flexible and understanding client) to an evening session. Evenings are typically family time, so I simply shifted family time and business time that day. While my business and great clients afford me this luxury, you can look for similar opportunities in your life. For example, if your kids play sports, during the sports season your life is very kid-focused. Be sure to let you and your kids have an off-season, a time free from extra curricular activities. This will allow you time to focus on things important to you like scrapbooking and other activities you enjoy. A lot of talk is out there these days about balance. It’s wonderful if you can achieve it on a daily basis, but sometimes an easier and more realistic approach is to balance your life over time.
Another big part of my time management equation is saying “no” and sometimes “no, for now.” When I was finishing up writing “the happy scrapper” that took precedence over other business opportunities. I said “no, for now” on several speaking engagements, postponing them from the fall until January. I think the most important thing with time management is knowing how much you can handle effectively and most importantly—happily—and then designing your life around your capacity. Say “no” to less important things in favor of your priorities.
