Would you like to make MORE time? Join the club!
And what about multi-tasking? Do you love it or hate it? I think I fall somewhere in the middle on that one…
Today I’m sharing two guest posts I recently wrote on these subjects… and I have a lot to say!
4 Ways to Make MORE Time
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s not uncommon to ALWAYS feel like you are running behind and playing catch-up with everything you want and need to do on a daily and weekly basis.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could magically make a few more hours each day?
Unfortunately, we can’t literally make MORE time, but in my opinion, there are 4 things we can do to help us MAKE BETTER USE of our time, cross off our to-do list a little faster, and meet those deadlines — which, at the end of the day, should give us a little bit more time!
Head on over to the Turnstone blog to read my 4 tips for making more time.
What are your best tips for making more time?
When Multitasking Works… and When it Doesn’t
As a work-from-home-mom, I’m used to simultaneously managing my work, my family, my home, and my life. I pride myself in my ability to multi-task; and I consider multi-tasking an essential skill in order to accomplish everything that needs to be completed on a daily and weekly basis.
However, I also know that there are many times during the day when multi-tasking will actually COST me more time than if I simply shut down all distractions and completely focus on one task or activity until it’s finished (this is easier said than done, by the way!)
Today, I’m over at the Turnstone blog sharing my thoughts about when multi-tasking works… and when it doesn’t.
What is your favorite or most productive way to multi-task?
Sean says
I appreciate the tips, Andrea! And I think you’re right—most of us fall somewhere in the middle of the love-hate relationship with multi-tasking. I like to use technology to help with you tip #1, streamlining the task. I contributed to my company blog a post about how text-any-business apps like the one I work on, TalkTo, are making lives easier, particularly for busy people who lose valuable workday time waiting on hold. Here’s the link; I’d love to hear your thoughts: http://bit.ly/ThUngK
Barb Pope says
Great descriptions for the two forms of multitasking! Similar to your example, here’s how I function. “Cultural relevance,” especially pop culture, is essential to what I do, but I’m not always interested in the subject du jour and I don’t have a lot of mindless tasks to use for multitasking. I avoid wasting valuable work hours on “time vacuums” by playing/listening/streaming (not always watching) a dvd, cd, podcast, show or audio book while doing housework, because more of these tasks need less of my attention (like cleaning, sorting or purging everything). I know that for some this crosses a professional/personal line but this allows me to stay current without having to be totally dedicated to something that’s not necessarily my priority and, I find, that I enjoy it more because I’m not pressured by the “real work” that I left at the office.
Shawn-Dell says
Just wanted to say Congrats on the new HGTV magazine spread. I was flipping through it and recognized you:) I thought.. OMG.. I follow her blog!! So I bought it and really enjoyed your article! Thanks for all the tips:) God bless!!
Andrea says
Thanks!! 🙂
Debby says
Oh I have to pick it up. I sent in a subscription but did not receive my first issue yet! Guess I will have to buy one at Target
Liz says
I have a GIANT bag, into which I toss all activities which can be done while sitting and waiting. With a very active dd, and living in a rural area, I spend a fair amount of time waiting for her to be done so we can move on to something else.
If something comes up during the day, I assemble its pieces and toss it in the bag for later. Then the next time I’m stuck somewhere…I start addressing those Xmas cards, or writing that thank you, or hem dh’s pants. I’ll even toss in reminders to look up something on the Internet, or book an appt.
You’d be amazed how productive you can be when trapped at a soccer practice for 2 hours.
christina says
I’m not a fan of multitasking. Once I start doing it, I have a hard time slowing down and paying attention to the people around me.
Instead, I try to break up large tasks into smaller parts and do a little at a time.
Debby says
I multi task the laundry and cooking/cleaning kitchen a lot. My laundry room and kitchen are next to each other. I throw a load in and then started cleaning up or prepping for whatever I am cooking. My load is usually finished after we eat and then I dry it and throw in another while my family clears the table. (I load the dishwasher since I am way to OCD and just end up moving it around anyway) This works the best for me and makes me feel like the laundry isn’t that daunting.
I love the thought of getting some exercise in though. Maybe I will try that next time I am waiting for the spin cycle to stop
Peach State Pretties says
I am also a work-from-home-mom and I feel like I am *always* multi-tasking. It is true at times it is better to do just one thing at a time, I just need to remember that more for myself. Here is one of my favorite ways of muti-tasking.
* Exercise*
I’ll do it while cooking, washing dishes, using the microwave, filling up my water from fridge, etc. I will do lunges, squats, side leg raises, arm raise, etc. If I am already standing & waiting, I might as well get some exercise in!