I’m going to be real here. I can’t even begin to pretend that everything in my life is perfectly organized. For a long time though, this was me on the Hot Mess Express just flying by in life!Where are my hot mess express pals at?!

Honestly though, as a busy mom of 3 kids with a full work and travel schedule it can be hard to manage time well. I know there are many out there who can relate.  Thankfully, over the years I have learned a few secrets about time management that have put me miles ahead of where I used to be!

These are my top 3 most useful time mastery tips.

1. Know what you’re good at, and ask for help on things you’re not good at. A lot of time can be wasted trying to figure out how to get something to work when you don’t know how to do it. Instead of spending the time trying to get it all done yourself, find a service that can do what you need for you. Then, get back to spending your time on the things you’re good at. Your time is very valuable! Don’t waste it.

For example, Tim is great with keeping track of our finances. He is good at keeping us on track and making sure things are in order on our bank statements. I hate doing that sort of thing so it would take me a really long time to get it done and it probably wouldn’t even be done right! I’d end up messing something up and causing more work in the long run.

Be willing to learn new things, but also be aware that some things are just not worth your time and energy. Don’t be afraid to get help in some areas so you can focus your time on what is valuable to you.

2.  Automate as much as possible. When it comes to saving time, automation is one of the greatest innovations ever. Think about how much time we save each day by not having to light fires to cook, boil water or stay warm. The inventions that bring us electric heaters, running water or stoves are automations!

With your life or business, try starting with some simple automations like scheduling recurring Zoom calls with your team (like I do!) or creating a 4 week rotating menu so that you don’t always have to wonder what to cook for dinner or what to buy at the store.

Block out times in your schedule to establish a routine. When you set up a recurring time in your calendar to meditate or do yoga, you are creating a space for that activity each day. Your body will come to expect it and it will feel easy to incorporate it into your day because it was automatically recurring in your calendar and you didn’t have to think about finding time to squeeze it in.

3. Take a break. Even if it’s just 5 minutes. Do you ever notice that it is so much harder to stay focused on one task when you’re overtired? Does your mind move from one thought to another and is it difficult to stick with a project til the end? Research has proved that your productivity goes up significantly if you intentionally take breaks throughout your day.

Taking even a short break away from your phone, computer, or desk can help you become much more productive when you get back to your work. Take a real break! Don’t just go to social media. Go for a walk, listen to your favourite song or grab a healthy snack. When you step away for even just a few minutes you are helping to reset your focus on the task you were doing and you’ll be way more productive because of it!

These three practical tips have been monumental in helping me get to where I am today in my business and in my life. I know they can make a big difference in yours too! The journey to time mastery will never end and we will always be able to learn but the Hot Mess Express doesn’t need to be our permanent home either! 

Connect the Dots

Pick one of the three things listed above that you feel you can get started on today. Don’t wait until tomorrow! Make it part of your routine and put it into practice. Notice how it makes a difference in your life and the way you accomplish things. Do you notice higher productivity or enjoyment in your work? Spend a moment being grateful for what you accomplished today and then keep it up tomorrow!