5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Time

Wow! I can’t believe today is the last day of July! Where has the summer gone?

In just 15 days, my kids will be heading back to school. In fact, they might as well have already started back because cheer practice and band camp have already begun.

While I feel I have accomplished a lot this summer in regards to home projects, there is a lot more that needs to be done around our home. For me, the summer is a much more laid-back time where I don’t try to live by a set schedule. I tend to be more focused and productive during the school year when I can stick to a schedule.

I have been thinking about what I’d like to accomplish in the coming school year for myself. Knowing that I want to make time for quiet time with God, exercise, Bible study, writing, and taking care of my home and family, I’ve got to come up with a plan that will help me make the most of my time.

Here is what I plan to do:

1. Make a plan the night before. Looking over my calendar and to-do list the night before helps put into focus what really needs to get done. I can make sure important details do not slip by me.
2. Identify three things that must be done. Sometimes life is overwhelming, and there seems to be so much that needs to be done right away. I have found that if  I just focus on three things, my day will turn out to be more successful. Each day, if I accomplish the three things that are tops on my list, I usually end up getting other things done that are on my list.
3. Delegate work to qualified helpers. There is a lot of work involved in keeping and maintaining a home. My husband is already a great help. But, my children are at the age they can take on more responsibilities. Cleaning their rooms and bathrooms are a huge help to me. They also help with the dishes and other cleaning duties around our home. Don’t try to do it all yourself. Ask for help!
4. Look at interruptions as opportunities. When our kids are sick and we have our day all planned out, we can become discouraged thinking we’ll never get our to-do list done. Take advantage of times like these to spend with your child. Too often quality time goes out the window when we are focused on other things we need to do. Sometimes interruptions allow us to do things we wouldn’t normally have planned.
5. Find shortcuts to getting things done. Use your slow cooker to help you prepare meals so that you can free up time to do something else. Prepare meals ahead of time. Shop online instead of driving all over town to look for specific items. Check your email while riding your exercise bike. Listen to a book on CD while driving or cleaning your house.

How do you make the most of your time?