How I Make Time for My Goals
I’m a super goal oriented person and I generally enjoy having a lot of things on my plate. I also tend to be a very high energy person, so I often make the mistake of thinking that I don’t need any downtime. Over time, I’ve learned if I don’t schedule a little rest into my life, I’ll eventually burn out.
I currently have a very full schedule (of things I love!) and I go through seasons of overwhelm and seasons where I feel like I’m totally kicking butt. It’s never perfect, but I have a few tips that help me squeeze all of it in without going crazy. Whether you’re trying to balance a business or family or just the crazy demands of life, I thought I’d share a few of my tangible tips for getting more out of your day!
- Multitask whenever you can. Multitasking seems to be a little out of style these days, but I’m not ready to let it go. There are some scenarios where it makes sense for me to multitask. I often use a treadmill desk (both at work and at home) because it’s an easy way to get my 10,000 steps while sorting through emails or listening in on a conference call. To be honest, half the time I forget I’m even walking. When I know the day is too busy to include a trip to the gym, it’s a simple way for me to get a little bit of light exercise. When I’m driving, I listen to podcasts or audio lectures for my personal training program. I spend about 8 hours a week driving (ugh) so I try to put all of that time to good use!
- Monotask when you need to. On the flip side, there are a few activities I’ve learned aren’t as effective if I’m multitasking. My NASM program usually requires a singular focus in order for me to take in the material. When I’m reading a new chapter or watching the lecture videos, I do NOTHING but that. In order to keep myself focused, I use my phone or my Google Home to set a timer for a certain amount of time (usually around 30 minutes.) For that set amount of time, I do nothing but that one task. No checking my phone. No getting a snack. No glancing at my inbox. When I set a timer, it makes it easier for me to set aside the time and really go all in. After the timer goes off, I might take a quick break and then set another timer or move on to something else.
- Exercise in the morning! This one is relatively new to me but it’s been working really well. I’ve started doing the BBG workout program which is great because the workouts are only 30 minutes long, 3x a week. (Plus, some additional cardio days.) I used to be a lunchtime or evening exerciser but I’ve found that it’s more effective for me to get it done the minute I wake up. It means I only have to take one shower and get ready for the day once. (These workouts make me sweat quite a bit, so an additional shower would be necessary if I did it after lunch or in the evening!)
- Cook really easy recipes. You guys know easy recipes are my jam! I have an arsenal of dinner ideas that only require a few ingredients or only take a few minutes to make. I’m also not above Trader Joe’s frozen dinners! (Here are a few of my favorites from the Trader Joe’s freezer section.) While I generally enjoy cooking, if my to-do list is looking daunting, I’ll go for an easy dinner idea like this 5 ingredient baked ziti or this super easy coconut curry noodle bowl.
- Try a daily planner. I didn’t think I was a “planner” person until I found Lucy Celebrates. I rarely use the monthly or weekly views but I LOVE the daily pages. It gives me a space for an hour-by-hour schedule, a to-do list, and intentions for the day. On the opposite page, it has a space for journaling, prayer, and celebrations. I’ve been trying to use those spaces when I start my day to really set my intention for what I’m going to accomplish. It helps me break down my to-do list into bite-size daily chunks rather than huge projects for the whole month.
Those are some of the ways that have helped me balance all of my priorities without going crazy. I know things might look different for you depending on your season of life or what you’re trying to get done. (Mamas, I don’t know how you all do it!) But those are a few things that have saved me on super busy weeks! Now I want to know YOUR tips!
Such helpful tips! I’d need to try exercise in the morning now. Thanks for sharing Liz
I agree with everything. I think it’s so important to make time for your goals. We prioritize what we want to prioritize, you know?
These are great tips!! This was a perfect post to read on a Monday too! Gives some motivation for the week!
Yay!! I hope you have a great week, girl!
I love these tips! I’m a total planner person but I have been totally out of sorts since we packed up our house. I can’t wait to get back into a routine after we move in. Definitely referencing this to help me hit the reset button!
I love these tips! I’m a huge scheduler/time blocker. If it’s on the calendar, I have made time for it and can get it done!
Yes!! There’s something about writing it down that makes me get it done!
I agree with all of these! I love multitasking too. I love clearing out the little things early in the day, then leave time later on for things that require more focus and time so that my mind isn’t filled with all the other tasks that need to be done.
This also sounds super OCD, but I use my notes app on my phone every Sunday to map out my days for the week- meals, workouts, outfits, etc. It keeps me from having to make those little decisions throughout the day that take up headspace.