There’s a million and one things to do to manage our business and take care of our family. And we’re passionate about both.

When you’re working you want to focus and make the most of the time you have. And when it’s family time you want to be there, in the moment, enjoying life with them.

And yet, you find yourself thinking about work off the clock and your family when it’s time to focus.

Balancing the two can be a challenge.

With only so many hours to spend on your business each week, how do you structure your time so you aren’t stressing out about the million and one things you have to do?

From meals to marketing, it’s all important and feels super urgent, like it has to happen right now!

Of course that’s not possible, even if you were super mum and wore your undies on the outside 😉

As a work-at-home-schooling mum I hear you. I’ve felt the stress and overwhelm from wearing so many different hats too.

I’ve caught my self many a time running through my todo list when I really wanted to be where I was.

When you have so much to do and you don’t see how or when they’re going to get done, it’s stressful.

The good news is that you can get to a place of peace with your todos.

Today I’m sharing what has helped me reduce the overwhelm of getting work done. And I know it can help you use your work time more effectively too.

That scripture below is a popular one, and for good reason. 
It gives us peace and hope.

Peace from the truth that everything doesn’t happen all at once, even if it feels like it needs to. And hope that there is a solution to getting things done.

The answer is to give our tasks + activities time in our schedule.

As I’ve gotten a little older I’ve learnt to embrace time as a friend.

When time enters the situation, all the activity that felt consuming and overwhelming, is given it’s place in our schedule …

the chaos disappears and with order, comes peace.

be productive,
not busy

So how do you bring order to schedule and use your work time more effectively?

# 1 : Map It Out

The first thing I do whenever I feel overwhelmed is create a new Time Map.

I know from experience that when I start to feel overwhelmed that something has changed. It maybe your family has entered a new season in life, you’ve taken on a new project or said yes to a new request but haven’t readjusted your schedule to match.

To create a time map, use a weekly planner or a digital calendar spread and block in your ideal week. Mark in all the things you need to do with your 168 hours from sleeping, to grocery shopping, and everything in between.

This is a great way to check that your commitments match your schedule. And you’ll know for sure just how much time you have for your work each week.

With your time map complete you’re ready to …

#2 : Divide + Conquer

One strategy I’ve found to be extremely effective in using my work time more effectively is to divide your time into categories.

This way you know how much you have for the different kinds of activities you need to do to keep your business moving forward.

The formula below from Breanne Dyke is the best breakdown I’ve found. And it works no matter what stage of business you are at. Of course, jiggle the percentages to suit your specific needs.

• 35% Product
• 25% Marketing + Sales
• 20% Finance | Admin
• 10% Planning
• 10% Learning

As a right-brainer I can so easily get caught up in the creating area of my business and not notice the hours that have gone by. However, when it comes to the accounts, I feel each and every minute.

If left to my own devices with no framework for my schedule I’d likely not give certain areas of my business, finance + admin, the attention it needs to stay healthy.

Breaking down my time using this formula has helped reduce the overwhelm of all getting all those different tasks done because I know there’s time set aside for them in my schedule.

The good thing about using this kind of framework for using your time is that it helps you decide whether you should take on that shiny new thing that’s just caught your eye 😉

#tip : Knowing what fits in your schedule is key to reducing the overwhelm we unknowingly bring upon ourselves. It’s also a good way to know when it’s time to ask or hire help.

If you want to increase productivity to have more free time, grab your copy of the Get Things Done in Less Time eBook. And with your Time Map complete, you’re already off to a great start.

The key to using your work time more effectively is to give your activities a time in your schedule. So map it out and divide + conquer your way to a peaceful + productive work day.