At the beginning of every new year, we’re bombarded with products, services, tips, and advice to help us better manage our time, increase our productivity, and GET MORE DONE.
That’s all fine and good… until you become a workaholic, constantly trying to be more productive, simply so you can do more… and more… and more!
I talk a lot about time management and productivity here on my blog, and that’s because it IS important to me — but NOT just so I can do more.
In fact, as the years go by, I’ve realized that simply “doing more” is rarely the reason I strive to better manage my time.
Of course, it’s always nice to accomplish more in less time… but my 2 favorite benefits of good time management are quite different.
Benefit #1. My days are SO much less stressful and chaotic.
My ability to manage my home, my family, my business, my Virtual Assistant work, and the eight-thousand other little details I tackle on a daily basis would most likely be impossible without decent time management.
However, managing everything I do without feeling stressed out or like my life is totally chaotic requires really good time management.
Yes, there are days when things seem to go haywire and I’m ready for a nap by 10:30am, but those types of days are not normal. I rarely ever feel over-loaded or stressed out, nor do I worry how I will accomplish everything I need to accomplish in a day.
I make manageable to-do lists, I plan ahead, I say no when I can’t (or don’t want to) do something, and I diligently work to be a good steward of my time (no social media, TV, or other mindless activities for me when other things need to happen).
As a result, my family and I enjoy a less stressful, less chaotic life.
We don’t need to rush to get out the door on time, we don’t argue about what to wear or what’s for breakfast because it’s planned out the night before, I rarely forget or misplace things, I don’t resort to fast food for dinner night after night because our meals are almost always planned out and ready ahead of time, and we all get to bed on time.
Benefit #2. I have more time for the things I actually WANT to do.
When I properly manage my time each day, I finish the tasks I NEED to do faster and with less energy… leaving me more time and energy to do the things I WANT to do.
I have time to take the kids for a walk or to the local thrift store, I have time to work on my digital photo books, I have time to watch a movie on Netflix, I have time to chat with a friend or neighbor, I have time to read books, blog posts, or articles that interest me, I have time to do lots of extra cooking and baking. I even have time to go to bed extra early on occasion!
Of course, I could simply do all the things I WANT to do first while putting off the things I NEED to do, but that won’t help me long-term… and it definitely won’t reduce the amount of stress or chaos in my home and life (see Reason #1 above).
There are many other benefits of good time management, but for me, at this point in my life, less stress and more time for things I want to do are 2 VERY motivating reasons for me to diligently manage my time as well as I can!
If you struggle with good time management and constantly get “sucked in” to mindlessly watching TV, scrolling through social media, browsing your favorite online shops, etc. I’d encourage you to think of various benefits that might motivate you to work harder to better manage your time.
You might be surprised how much of a difference good time management will make in SO many different areas of your life!
What benefits have you noticed when you work to better manage your time?
Chris says
I have a part-time job. I feel like I don’t have much time to do housework, errands, but I know part of it is just being tired. However, lately, I have been keeping track of how much time I spent on the internet and reading books, etc. It has been quite surprising and I want to do better and know I can!
Andrea says
Good for you for looking into ways you can “find” more time, instead of just convincing yourself you don’t have the time. It’s amazing how much time we can find when we are motivated!
Wendy says
I agree wholeheartedly with Lynn. I too am a retired teacher. I taught until I was 65 and am now 70 (yikes!!!!) as of November. I still have to take my daughter places when their car is out of whack. Time management is so important.
Lynn Arnsdorf says
Thanks Wendy, fellow retired teacher. I know parenting is different for every generation, but certainly the basics of family love stay the same. Time management definitely shifts to different priorities due to the culture, but if you unwrap all the layers, it’s still pretty simple. And actually, here’s my sage advice for young moms…keep it simple simple simple, and you don’t have to be everything for everyone.
Andrea says
Thanks Lynn!
Lynn Arnsdorf says
Time management is definitely a secret for success, well known by those who recognize it’s power. Now that I’m 62, and retired from teaching, I can see how time management shifts and changes but still remains important. I definitely worked harder at it in the 80’s when my kids were little..now, I get to manage the time that is all mine! It’s such a gift. Now my schedule is exercise class, volunteering, and a part time job….with priority to family time (grandkids!!!). What I wish I had done more of (at your age…I assume most of you are in childbearing years) is ask older women their secrets to absolutey everything. I feel like I have so much knowledge, but sadly nobody asks the older woman, and we don’t offer up because we are afraid of overstepping. I just wish the older women in my life, when I was younger, had been asked more questions and respected for their knowledge. Don’t let this get past you, young moms! At 62, I’m beginning to see that just having time for anything is a precious gift.
Andrea says
Thanks for sharing Lynn!
I Completely understand what you are saying about over-stepping your bounds. That said, I absolutely LOVE talking with the older ladies from church (they are in their 80’s so much older than you!) They have such great stories to share — maybe not super practical advice for today’s families, but fun to learn how they did things “back then” and to hear their struggles too.
Enjoy having more discretionary time these days — sounds like you deserve it!
Candace Herrod says
I need that cinnamon bun recipe!!
Lynn Arnsdorf says
Candace, it’s easy to find! Just put cinnamon bun recipe in the Search box up at the top of Andrea’s page…scroll down to her recipe.
Andrea says
Thanks Lynn… you beat me to my own answer!
Andrea says
haha — here’s a super simple cinnamon roll recipe that’s really good. Not the one pictured, but super easy and yummy!
Annette Silveira says
I think you posted once about not having time for something versus not making time for it. This post explains how you have time for lots of things because you make time for all the right things.
Andrea says
YES! Exactly!
I do think you’re right — I MAKE time for what is important to me, which means I need to say no to other things that might be fun and enjoyable, but aren’t necessarily my priorities right now.
Ann says
I think your Time Management posts are some of my favorites! Thanks so much! Great points!
Mara says
Great post, thanks so much, Andrea! LOVE your posts, always inspirational! I haven’t commented since before the holidays, so hello from WI! Hope you are all doing well 🙂
Heidi says
I’ve noticed that I just FEEL better when I manage my time. When I push myself to a deadline and procrastinate, I’m tired, grumpy, and just don’t feel well. It’s so much better when I’m in control of it and working ahead.
Ashley says
So well stated! The why behind our motivation for anything is the most important. If our why is off, the how won’t stick. With two small children of my own, your whys totally resonate with me!