Saturday, September 12, 2015

Google calendar

As many of you know, time management has been a major focus for me this month. Over the last couple weeks, I have really been taking the time to figure out what works and what will help me.

As a mom with two little ones and a Beachbody business, I really need a good schedule but have never put in the effort to make one. Because of how much I love talking with my customers and coaches, I have fallen into the trap of working a lot more than I thought I was, due to being able to work from my phone all day. I found myself being present with my family in body only as I buried my head in my phone to respond to messages. I was letting my day be determined by others, not by me. I am determined to change that.

One of the first things I decided to start doing was planning out my days. Now, that doesn't mean every day goes perfectly as I laid it out on paper (or in my case, google calendar) but it really clears my mind and keeps me focused on the task at hand.

The first thing I did was create calendars. I based this on my priorities. It seems silly to need to put family time in the calendar as that is something you think would just happen naturally, but I found myself being so distracted during that time, constantly looking at my phone and putting other things first, that "family time" was really more "catch up time". In order to make sure I honor my priorities, those priorities go on the calendar. I'm still a work in progress for sure, but my goal is for no phone, i pad, or computer during those times so I'm focused on those I love most and they know how important they are.

I encourage you to figure out your priorities and really evaluate your days to see if you're putting your time where your heart is. Are you constantly looking at your phone and letting those who are not your priority dictate where your days go? Get your days and your time back!

Once I had my calendars made, I look week by week and lay out my ideal schedule. No- it does not always happen perfectly but it does keep me focused and helps me lose the mom guilt when I know I have specific time set aside and I am not losing site of the big picture!

google calendar example

My husband works Monday-Thursday and Benton goes to school from 9-2 on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I try to do a bulk of work during those times. I also focus work and calls while most of the house, or at least the kids, are sleeping. I still do a lot of calls at night during the week because most of my team still works full time, but am setting limits and finding what works for me and my family.

As a coach with over 300 team members, it is so easy to answer phone calls and messages at all hours, which is exactly why I'm trying to take control and better predict my day. This helps my productivity and allows me to be fresh and prepared and really devote time to one on one calls with those who are growing their businesses! I use acuity scheduler so I can set aside specific times for my team to have all my time. This has made a huge difference in making sure I stay organized and spread the LOVE.

This is only starting my third full week of using google calendars so I'm still learning and tweaking what is working every week. It will take time to perfect, and I am learning to give myself grace as I learn what works best for me and my family.

What do you use to plan? Do you like to fly by the seat of your pants? I was like that too! Just try this for a couple weeks and see if it makes a HUGE difference! Let me know so we can spread the word!

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