Time management for a working mother
25th February 2011I spend a lot of my life running. To catch the train in the mornings, to drop my son off at nursery, to make the mother and toddlers’ group on Friday mornings. I even run up escalators on the underground to get places more quickly, something I would never have dreamt of doing before being a working mum. Saving time is big in my world but how ever hard I wish for more there are only 24 hours in each day so here are my top tips for meeting deadlines and remaining sane.
A ‘to-do’ list is a must – make a day-to-day list and one with a longer outlook so nothing gets overlooked. You’ll also have the satisfaction of ticking things off when they’re done so no matter how hectic your day is you’re left with a sense of achievement.
Prioritise – sounds obvious but this helps make it clear where things can be delegated or expectations need to be managed.
Work smartly – allocate an estimated amount of time for each action point on your list and see what it all tots up to. This is a good way to make sure individual tasks aren’t taking too long and helps with time analysis
Using ‘dead time’ – catching up on emails, background reading, even creative thinking can be done during the commute or queuing for lunch-time sandwiches. You’ll be amazed at what sparks of creativity grow when you’re people watching
Stay 5 minutes ahead – setting your watch five minutes fast means you’re always a step ahead and arrive calm and collected for meetings not matter how frazzled your journey has been
Don’t try doing everything yourself – probably the most common mistake made in time management. Working as part of an integrated team means if you plan properly everything can be achieved
Listen to the radio – this is a great way to digest news on the go or whilst doing chores around the house. To be honest I’d be lost without The Today Programme. Podcasts are also a life saver
Walk very, very fast – you just get places more quickly and it keeps you fit!
Retain a sense of the ridiculousness of life – delight in the world in which we live and make sure that you always keep things in perspective no matter how pressing the deadline
Buy a smart phone – I constantly wonder at how I managed to organise myself at all without my iPhone. There are apps for everything from online grocery shopping to setting your alarm early if the tubes are running late
My only other advice is to marry a very helpful and considerate husband!
Great little list.I like the point especially about not doing everything yourself,something we as women tend to do alot. I have now also delegated housework to children ie the bits they use like their rooms and their bathroom.Also doing good old fashioned washing up together is often a good way to catch up with them and what is going on at school without it seeming like you are grilling them!