Do you find yourself short of your goals at the end of each day? If so, you might be wondering ways to get more done each day. You can in fact have days that are more productive when you put certain behaviors into practice. Here are 10 ways to get more done each day and really make the most out of your time.
10 Ways to Get More Done Each Day
1. Be an early riser.
It is no secret that the early bird gets the worm. Set an earlier wake up time and stick to it. By starting the day earlier, you are making the most of those quiet, calmer morning hours and can really pack some tasks in.
One of the things I missed the most when I was going through the newborn phase this last time around was getting up early. I didn’t realize how productive I was when I got up early until I wasn’t able to do that for a few months. I felt like we went from being ahead to just surviving. It’s taken me almost a year to get back into my old routine but I’m once again getting up early and accomplishing more.
2. Keep a daily calendar.
This can be an actual calendar, journal, or checklist. On the page write the date as well as 5 (or more) tasks you would like to accomplish that day.
I love to keep a running to-do list. I use my phone and gmail calendar for appointments and schedules, but I keep a paper copy of everything I need to do that day and I update it each night. Knowing exactly what needs to be done is key in using your time wisely. If you have just 10 minutes you can pick a task that fits into that time allotment.
3. Be mindful of the time.
Be mindful of each hour. If participating in an activity you get easily lost in, set the alarm on your phone to let you know when time is up and you need to move on to another activity.
Using a Timer can be a great practical way to keep yourself on task. Tell yourself to take 7 minutes and empty and reload the dishwasher, Or Switch the laundry and put in a new load. You will be surprised how much you can get done in just a few short minutes.
4. Be friends with people who motivate you.
Surround yourself with friends who like to make the most of their time as well. These are usually upbeat, positive, and driven people. Encourage each other and be inspired by each other.
The other day one of my friends text me about putting dinner in the oven before dance with our little girls. I was reminded and encouraged to do the same :) It was such a relief that night when we got home and didn’t have to think about dinner, I was so thankful for friends that encourage me to stay motivated and organized.
5. Check off your daily tasks.
In the calendar or journal mentioned above, check off tasks as they are completed. This is a great visual to show you what you have accomplished and what is yet to be done. You will feel more accomplished looking at the journal page and seeing everything crossed out.
Remember, If you’re a busy mom of little ones, sometimes it’s important to make sure everything you are doing is on your to-do list, not just big things. There have been days I included things like “Give the kids baths” or “Make Dinner” or “Take a Shower” on my to do list because it helps me to feel like I’m accomplishing something rather than looking at a never ending to-do list that isn’t getting done.
6. Let technology help you.
Utilize the reminder apps and digital calendars in your phone as well as organizational spreadsheets on your computer to keep your tasks at your fingertips. This is much easier than fumbling with sticky notes.
Some of my favorite apps include Evernote (Which syncs with your computer and iPhone), Gmail Calendars (Sends me Text Message Reminders about appointments and sync’s with my husbands calendar) and my Notes List on my iPhone. These 3 all work together to help me remember things that need to be done!
7. Be realistic.
Don’t pack more into your day than is reasonable. When you do this, you are setting yourself up for failure. Instead, be realistic and set goals you can obtain.
I once heard it said that you can fit everything you need to do in a day on a sticky note! You can always make a new note if you get everything done, but keeping your list smaller and less overwhelming will help you not only accomplish more but also focus on your top priorities for the day. If your sticky note is full, you have enough to do :) Get started and accomplish something.
8. Use a GPS system.
This helps you waste less time driving. When running errands use the GPS to plan your routes for you.
I honestly didn’t do this much before, but one of my “Super Organized” friends has been talking about this a lot lately. She plugs in her destination before she leaves her house into her GPS on her phone, it tells her the fastest route factoring in time and traffic. She said every-time it gives her a different way so she uses that to minimize her driving time.
9. Make a list each night.
Take a few moments to reflect on the next day. Make a list of what you plan to tackle upon waking up. Then, prepare to start the process all over again!
One of the books on Time Management I HIGHLY Recommend is Eat that Frog. This book talks a lot about making your list the night before because your brain will work on the things that need to be done while you sleep! It helps you process what needs to be done and also helps you get started faster in the mornings!
10. Reward yourself.
Treat yourself to a manicure or specialty coffee when you accomplish your goals and find some free time as a result. Or maybe make a list of things you love to do like Reading your favorite books, Enjoying your favorite TV Show and other items that you love to do. Using these things as a reward for acomplishing your list will help you stay motivated and also help you put those things off until you’ve accomplished your day.
I hope you will Give these 10 ways to get more done each day a try! I would love to know what tips you have for getting more done! Don’t forget to leave a comment with your favorite tips and suggestions!
Make sure you check out our Saving Money Blog and also our How to Coupon Page for more tips, tricks and videos on saving money and using coupons.
Make sure you Follow Me on Pinterest!
ENTER YOUR COMMENT HERE
Such great ideas for busy working women. I plan on sharing this with my grown daughters. We all have time management issues. Thanks so much!! Lydia
Love the book, Eat That Frog! Has helped me to get those big things out of the way first thing in the morning. The saying alone will make anyone want to accomplish said tasks for the day. Great list!
If there’s a big task or project I need to get started on, I’ll set everything out fur myself the night before. It’s easier to sit down and get started promptly that way. And those before bed hours are usually less productive so it’s a win win.
Loved the post, it was really helpful. That is also an app called cuckuu that can be a great way to stay organized.
Thank you for these really useful tips. I agree 100 % on being an early bird. Tip # 11, go to bed early. Great tips. Have a blessed day.
Good morning. I was looking at your picture at the beginning of your article. What format did you use when you printed it out. Thanks and Happy Holidays.
You can try to copy and paste the information to a word document so you can format it as you prefer. Otherwise I would just select the information you want to print and when you go to print it, just click on “print selection” I am not sure if this will print the way you want it to, but using a Word document will allow you to move stuff around so it looks good.
What a great post with very helpful advice. I’ll be starting some of these In the new year. I completely agree with writing all your tasks on a to do list including the small stuff. I realized the other day that sometimes I feel like I’ve done nothing because of what I can see yet if I wrote down everything I had really done, it would be surprising!