How to Stop Wasting Time and Be More Productive

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When I first started my business, I had one goal…

To get my time back.

At the time, I was working 40+ hours a week as a Physical Education + Health teacher, I was coaching - adding an extra 10+ hours per week to my schedule, and I had an hour round trip commute every day. I was burning the candle at both ends already, so why would I decide to add a business on top of that.

Well, friends… because it was something that I desperately wanted. I was missing out on so much time with my kids and I just wanted my time to be just that - MY time. I wanted flexibility in my schedule, and the only way I could think of getting that was by being my own boss and being able to set my own hours.

But, let me tell you… it wasn’t easy to get to that point and it took me over 2 years to finally build my business enough to match + surpass my teaching salary, which we NEED in order to live the way we want to live (and that’s important to us).

Maybe you’re thinking, “Well, that’s great for you, but I just don’t have that kind of time to work fulltime, take care of my family, AND build a business.”

Oh sweet friend, here’s one thing you need to know…

Just like you’ll never feel like you’re “ready” to have kids, you’ll never have “enough” time in your day.

The reality is, we all have the same amount of hours in the day. It’s what you do during those hours that really counts.

So, how CAN you be more productive during the day? Here are my tips + tricks to increasing your productivity...

>> Manage your “downtime.”

I know you’re probably thinking, “But, WHAT downtime?!” I know you’re constantly moving from one thing to the next, but you might be surprised to find little pockets in your day that you can knock out something quickly, like unloading the dishwasher, folding laundry, or listening to an audio book.

One thing that might be happening in your “downtime” that you don’t realize is scrolling through your phone. I get it… sometimes I need that “mindless” activity to just not think about work or my kids, but it’s also a valuable time that you could be spending being more productive.

>> Get your priorities in check.

You feel like you have a to-do list a mile long and that you’ll just never have enough time to get it all done. I totally understand. My to-do list always seems to keep getting longer and longer, but the one thing that has really helped me be more productive is by choosing just 3 top priorities for the day (or the week) that need to get done, no exceptions. By just focusing on those 3 things, I tend to be MORE productive during my limited time working on those things, and end up getting more things done that I planned.

>> Wake up earlier.

I know, I know. You just groaned at me. But, what if you woke up just 15 minutes earlier tomorrow? What could you get done during those 15 minutes? Could you spend that time reading? Making lunches? Washing your hair? Getting a short walk or run in?

The one thing that was REALLY hard for me to do but that I am thankful I did now when I was working full time outside of the home was waking up at 4AM everyday just to get a run or workout in. Was it easy? Nope - and I hated every second of it. But, looking back, had I not spent that extra hour in the morning working out, I would’ve had less time with my family later in the day - or not getting a workout in at all.

You don’t have to wake up at 4AM, but maybe start by waking up just 15 minutes earlier and see what that does for you!

>> Know when to multitask.

Y’all, I am the world’s WORST multitasker. Ask my husband. I will try to put away laundry while brushing my teeth and it takes me twice as long as it would have had I just done them separately. We are actually NOT meant to multitask… BUT, there ARE times when you absolutely should and it’s easy to do it!

When you’re driving to and from work, listen to podcasts or audiobooks for some personal development. I loved my commute (and miss it at times) because it would give me time to myself, but I would also utilize it to have phone calls with prospective clients and teammates to build my business.

Lately, my favorite way to multitask is when I’m folding laundry. I turn on my show of choice (right now it’s Dead to Me on Netflix) and watch that while I fold the laundry. Or, while I’m putting on makeup, I listen to a training from my company or coach, instead of spending time during my already busy day getting that done. I also LOVE to read while I eat lunch (when I don’t have kids home with me).

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Look, I know you are busy. But, maybe you have more time in your day than you realize. I built 2 businesses while working full time by utilizing those little cracks in my day that allowed me to be productive. Believe me, if I can do it, so can you!

And if you’re ready to start being more productive with your time, grab my FREE Weekly Planning Checklist! In this checklist, I am walking you through exactly how I plan out each and every week to set myself up for success, while also limiting stress, anxiety, and overwhelm!

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Grab your FREE Weekly Planning Checklist!

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Wanna work just 4 hours a day, 4 days per week?