Previously: why I need to change, how I can change, when do I teach this, and some places to start.
To bring this series to a close, I could walk you through time management 101, tips, tricks, and some tools to get you there. In fact, that is originally what I was going to call this post. As I started writing though, the thought kept popping up that I never reviewed an ebook that I read and loved so much on the subject of time management.
So, instead of me sharing MY tips. I am going to share the resource that finally made a lot of things “click” for me in this area. And as an added bonus, I am going to gift a copy to one lovely reader. I am keeping this one super, super simple. More on that below.
Friendly disclaimer: I use affiliate links in this post.
The ebook is called Tell Your Time and it is written by Amy Lynn Andrews. Amy writes an awesome blog about blogging called Blogging with Amy. She is also a wife, homeschool mom, and a virtual assistant. In other words, she’s busy. She was kind enough to share her time management wisdom with all of us the ebook.
Three Reasons Tell Your Time is Awesome
1. It is a quick read.
Anyone who needs time management help doesn’t need a novel to wade through on the subject. Amen? The ebook is organized well and without a lot of fluff.
2. Two words, common sense.
She lays the concepts out in a very sensible way. She isn’t revealing or promising to reveal anything “revolutionary,” which is rather refreshing in a world that overflows with marketing buzz words like revolutionary and new!
I appreciate that she took me step by step and made me face some truths that I needed to face. Like the simple fact that you can’t do everything all at once.
3. Making a schedule has never been easier.
You know me, I love my lists and schedules. Well, making them anyways. After I read through the book and did the exercises, I sat down and put our stuff on paper in a schedule that actually reflected our REAL life. I can’t tell you how profoundly this impacted me.
I spend so much time thinking I’m spinning my wheels and getting no where. Seeing our schedule on paper helped me to realize two things:
- We have a LOT on our plate. Seeing it on paper actually helped me make some cuts in our activities and empowered me to say NO when I needed to. I could physically see that I simply did not have the time to commit to one more thing.
- I was wasting a lot of time. Ouch. That one still stings and is a constant battle for me. Facing the fact that I have enough time to get everything done if I will just put my mind to it was hard because it meant admitting that I was being lazy in some areas.
Now, I want to pass along the blessing that is this ebook to one of you.
To enter the drawing to win the ebook Tell Your Time, answer this question in the comments below:
What is one thing that you want to do, but never seem to have the time for?
Be sure to use a valid email address, I’m not adding you to any list or using the info for any deceitful reasons. I just need it to contact you if you win. The giveaway will end August 31, 2013. If you do not want to wait that long to win the ebook, you can buy it for $3 on Amazon. Seriously…$3.
I would like to play tennis! I did this 18 years ago in high school and would love to do this again!! 😉
Would love to read 10 pointers (or something like that) that helped you make your schedule!! How did you narrow down your activities ? How did you see where time was wasted ??
Blessings!! Dana
The ebook helps you lay it out. Basically it comes down to 4 categories: non-negotiable activities that happen at a fixed time, non-negotiable activities that happen at variable or flexible times, negotiable activities that happen at a fixed time, and negotiable activities that happen at a variable or flexible time.
But before you get there, she helps you prioritize your life roles and lay them out so you can see where you are going. She helps you set goals so you can get where you want to go, too. I highly recommend the ebook. If you do not have a Kindle, you can buy the PDF version on her site as well. I actually have both.
Oh Mrs. Vicki how I ran into you at the right time. I’m a mother of 4 ranging from 14 to 1 and last year was my first year to homeschool. Managing my time is not easy. Thank you! Thank you for making me feel normal 🙂 and thank you for sharing your wisdom and tips on how to manage our time. Most important thing I try to remind myself daily is… this too shall pass. They’re only little for a short while. I’m very bless to be able to spend time with them daily and to teach them about Jesus. A mothers love is like nothing else. I’m the best teacher for them. This is my first time on your site and I love it! 🙂
Thank you for the pep talk, I needed it this morning. I pray that God encourages and sustains you through your homeschool year!
I guess it would be a toss-up between sewing and spending more time outside. I always find time to see if I’m getting paid for it! Of course, the computer is probably my biggest time waster…
Oh, amen. The internet is full of bunny trails and squirrels to chase. I literally tell myself to focus sometimes. And then I’m glad I’m working from the privacy of my basement. 😉
I have been struggling with this! Thank you for your helpful post! If I can get myself organized I would sew and just sit and watch my kids play….and play more with them.
I wish I had time for myself to craft, scrapbook and start exercising/hiking. Although my kids are teens and don’t “need” me as much as younger kids, I’m a full time (24/7) caregiver for my father in law (who lives with us) who has Alzheimer’s and needs constant care and supervision like a toddler. It’s exhausting and time consuming. I literally feel like I can’t leave the room he’s in because he gets into stuff. At least with a toddler, you can put things up and they can’t reach them, LOL! I’m happy to take care of him as long as I’m able, but getting my house organized and safer for him, and finding time for me need to be priorities.
Sewing! I need to find the time to clean the garage and set it up for my sewing space. Then have time to actually sew.
I wish I had more time to decorate/beautify my home. It’s functional but not pretty!!