Six Sigma Blogs

It used to be that “the perfect mom” wore a checkered cotton apron, baked apple pie, and kept the house as clean as an operating theater while anxiously waiting for hubby to come home from work. Let’s burst the bubble on that myth - chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re one of the 80% who operate as working mothers - either single or with a life partner. And one of your biggest ongoing challenges - even if you don’t like to admit it - is probably time management.

Here are 3 essential time management tips that can give you back some of those missing hours:

1. Put it into a plan. Create a list, and break it down into sections for each member of your family (starting, of course, with you). Include important events, chores and “to do” items. Don’t go overboard listing every detail - it’s a good rule to prioritize items, and to have no more than five in each category, absolute tops. (Using colored highlighters to separate categories and family members is another helpful visual cue technique.) Starting with a basic list such as this will help you and your family stay on top of things, when it comes to time management.

2. Set your plan in motion. Personal PDAs and smart phones are a great way to make sure you stay on top of your time management plan any time, any place. Whether you apply your plan to a simple calendar or import it into a spreadsheet, making sure you can access it on the go will be the best way to improve and implement effective time management.

3. Try out software and read books on time management. Finding the right time tool that works for you is a key part of organizing, not just your work, but your life and family. Investing a little time in them now may save you more than you’ll ever realize, in the future!

There are many time management books that offer important time management secrets. Take the time to find a couple of time management books that offer insight into your particular lifestyle.

As for time management software, this can really help get your life organized and back under control! Some will work for you, some not: it all depends on how you operate. Some are more work-oriented, ideal for large companies; some are geared to your personality type. There’s no “best” one - pick the software that works for you, and you’ll find you can benefit both in your professional and family life.

4. Consider time management training. As a professional woman, and working mother, you owe it to yourself to invest in important time management training in order to make your life easier and more enjoyable. While most time management courses and seminars are solely focused on the business world, this can be helpful for you as you seek better time management for all aspects of your life.

It’s all about organization. Make a plan that works for you, make it easy to access that plan and invest in time management books, time management software and time management training to make sure you are on top of all of the best time management secrets out there.

After all, you may not be Donna Reed but your life makes her look lazy!

Take the Free 10 Question Quiz to Learn Effective Time Management Skills and You’ll Receive Your Own Customized Time Management Analysis With Priceless Tips for Boosting Your Productivity and Effectiveness.