It's a well-known rule in the world of writing: if you want to be a successful author, you must blog. Since I heart writing, it's kind of ironic that writing a blog has been at the bottom of my list of things to do for many years. Why you ask?
Time. I seem to have a shortage of it. (I know I'm not alone. Time is a hot commodity these days.)
In fact, I've been so concerned about my inability to manage my time that I recently downloaded a program that helps me see how my allotment of twenty-four hours per day is divvied up. It was rather eye-opening. Here's the results, in handy pie format.
As you can see, I need help! If there is one thing I'm famous for, it's my ability to be late for anything (and everything) no matter the time of day. That all goes back to me trying to cram as much as I can into every hour of the day. So it's advice time. What do you do to make the most of your time? Give me your best time-saving secrets. Do you brush your teeth while showering? Do you wear the mop shoe things? With a bow even--how cute is that? Or do you shave while driving (I'm talking to the men here. Ladies, I'd never recommend shaving your legs while driving, no matter how much time it saves.) So leave a comment with your time-saving tip, and you have a chance to win a prize. Want a hint what the prize is? It's something time-related. HA!
16 comments:
I make lists. It drives me to get "it all" done, most of the time I have to prioritize it but I also make weekly lists or monthly lists. I do brush my teeth in the shower, I don't blow dry my hair, or do much with it for that matter, my make up has cut WAY back, and I only read in the bathroom. Hum, I think if I followed it completly I would find more time ;)
Funny Thing, the more I try to save time the more behind I get. I'm no help when it comes to multitasking but I do make a lot of notes. Sticky notes. Then I lose them.....
Judi
Now you know I love you, Lori. I'm on a blog! If I would have done this on May 21st I think that preacher guy would have been right on about it being the end of the world...
Time-saving? I do what I like and I like what I do, then I fill in the teeny spaces with the ugly chores. At least that way I'm on the happier side while I'm doing them. It works for me, but maybe my family sees it differently.
Good job on the book and the blog!!!
To save time I do multiple things at once. Recently in our family we started flossing our teeth while we are doing our family scripture reading. Sounds funny, but after scriptures and prayers are done I know teeth have been flossed and they are off to brush! Also, every time my phone rings, which is quite often, I pick up my squirt bottle of pine sol mixed with water and look for something to clean~ either the floor, counters, baseboards, etc. Then I don't feel like any time has been wasted!
Yay for your book! Im really excited for you and cant wait to read it! As for time-saving tips, I am a huge multitasker. I pick up toys and clothes and any "one-handed" jobs while brushing my teeth. I do dishes while talking on the phone and fold laundry while watching Tv.
I read blogas and catch up on e-mail while I sing my babies to sleep every night. On the other hand I stopped trying to save time by making phone calls while driving. Realized the risk was not worth time saved. Katy
Lori, Lori, Lori,
Could you be any more multi- talented? You are simply marvelous darling. You and I know the only way I save time and my sanity is by staying up late at night, snack on peeps (when in season), all while catching up on reading, emails and sleep. Time during the day slips by to quickly to keep track of, it seems. I do my best to get the basics done and have a bit of time for me. But, I only have one child, not five, to have a schedule for! Holy night! You are amazing!
LOve, JP
Driving, especially to and from work, is great down time to call your mother, sister, or other family member for a quick catch up and short love message. Best double-tasking ever. CAUTION: use hands-free.
That's a funny pie-chart. For me I'm much more productive if I don't ever turn the TV on. Then there's nothing to do but be productive :)
Lori-I'm so excited for you. I love the pie chart, but don't buy it for a minute! Time saving tips: I start my day with prayer and ask to have the day extended by a few hours. I read my Ensign while in the ladies room. I have the children do all of the chores! (just kidding)
Love you
Thanks for all the advice everyone. You guys are way better than Oprah!
Judi, I lose all my notes too. I finally got a planner, but half- the time I'm too lazy to pull it out of my purse to write on it.
Jeanni, flossing teeth during scripture time--genius!
JP, I never knew Peeps were the secret to your endless energy!
Kelly, you might need to get your car windows tinted so people don't think you are talking to yourself. :)
I would like to know who you've widdled blaundry down to just 9%???? And with five kids! That's pretty dang impressive :)
... I use timers. I always feel short on time so I set a timer for say 20 minutes and focus on one area for that time. As soon as the time beeps I'm done with that area and have to move on. It doesn't really work for everything but it forces me to make sure I'm creating time for my kids too...because I really could spend all day cleaning and even though I have 3 at home not have any real time for them. Anne
Way to go Lori! You really have been busy lately and that pie chart certainly isn't an accurate reflection. It should be something more like: 90% random duties of being a mother to 5 kids. If only the rest of us could write books with our other spare 10% of time!
Lists, lists, lists. I like making lines through finished tasks.
Well, I don't have kids like many of you but I find self discipline very rewarding. Rather than lying in bed dreading getting up because you have to start doing stuff, just get up and do it. It saves time and you're in a better mood when you start. Also, if you find that you're distracted by something frivolous while you're supposed to be doing something productive, mentally reprimand yourself. Congratulatioon on the book by the way. I'm sorry if me advice doesn't apply or help but there you go.
~Devree
Love the tips from everyone. I find that putting the baby to bed early is huge for my productivity.
Also, I seem to be more productive on days when I get up early to work out.
I'm so happy y'all showed up to play! You guys gave me so many good ideas to try. Thanks!
This comment thread is now officially closed, although I can't figure out how to officially close it. :) It doesn't cover that in my "Blogging for Dummies" book. I guess I needed "Blogging for Idiots."
Check back tomorrow to see who won!
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