Do you know women who are super productive and have time management down to a science? Do you wonder how the heck they get so much done in a day? Do you want to know their secret? (Because there has to be some super secretive handshake or something right?)
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I used to marvel at the super-human productivity of other women and moms. I wondered how the heck they got it all done and were still completely put together. Meanwhile, I had apple sauce smeared on my pants and my hair hadn’t been washed in a week.
A few years ago I FINALLY decided to figure out how to be more productive AND have more free time in the process.
It took a lot of trial and error but I eventually created a time management system that completely changed my life and skyrocketed my productivity. I also learned a few things that almost all super productive women have in common.
Time Management Tricks of Productive Women
They don’t overbook themselves.
Seriously, learning how to say no has made suuuuuch a difference in my life. Now that I’m good at doing it myself, I often notice other highly productive people saying no too. The trick is to be so tuned in to your own feelings, emotions, and schedule that when an opportunity or obligation arises, you immediately know if you can handle it or not. If you know you can’t handle it, you say no right away and move on. No worrying or procrastination, just simple streamlined bliss. Also, super productive people say no to more than they say yes to. This allows them to do a really good job on the tasks they have committed to AND it frees up their schedule to jump on opportunities that are too good to pass up.
They take care of themselves.
Productive people take pride in the way they look. They eat healthy and they exercise. This has nothing to do with vanity and everything to do with having positive energy. Think about it, how do you feel when you spend all day in your pajamas and don’t brush your teeth till noon. Now, how do you feel waking up early, showering and getting dressed in nice clothes. Most people will feel 100% better doing the latter. Feeling good about yourself gives you energy, and that allows you to get more done. Same for exercise, eating healthy, getting enough rest, etc. All of those things boost your energy. That allows you to be more productive throughout your day.
They are creatures of habit.
Productive people follow routines. Don’t worry, this isn’t as boring as it sounds. It just means that they have certain things that they do at certain times. They make being productive a habit, so that accomplishing tasks doesn’t feel like a chore but more like second nature. Productive women set up morning and evening routines and they create schedules for their workday. This doesn’t mean that they do the same things all the time. It just means that they have a flow to their day that saves them time in the long run. All of these routines contribute to their time management.
They are really clear about what they want.
Productive people know exactly what they want and have figured out how to get it. Or, they are at least actively trying to figure it out.
Figuring out what it is you want is one of the best things you can do to increase your productivity. If you are wishy-washy on your dreams or goals, you’ll have mediocre outcomes because you haven’t clearly defined what it is you want.
Consequently, this was the thing that made the most difference in my life. I didn’t make goals because I didn’t want to be disappointed if they didn’t come true. But what ended up happening was that I never really figured out what I wanted my life to look like. It took a serious personal crisis for me to realize that I was the only one who could create the life I wanted, and I had to get really specific on what I wanted that life to look like before I could move forward.
Learn to Be a More Productive Person
It’s hard to express to you how much better at time management I’ve become just by implementing these simple steps. I’m also sooooo much happier because I get more done each day AND I have plenty of time to spend with my loved ones.
Nice tips, thanks! If you want to read interesting articles about productivity and get even more inspiration on how to improve your performance, check out here: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+KanbanTool2009
These are great tips! I have to get better about not over scheduling myself. That one is so hard for me.
Love love love this! Just what I needed to read this morning… and a few things I need to work on 🙂
I so agree with being creatures of habit! Once you develop a routine, the world is your’s!
Yes it is! 🙂
I totally need to work on the not overbooking myself point! I need to learn to say no!
It’s hard isn’t it? You can do it! 🙂
Great post! I tend to overbook myself all. the. time. I am working on getting better about it and saying “no” more often!
It’s hard but it makes a difference.
I agree with all of these! Routines are my life!
I think I tend to overbook myself, but its not so much other people as much as all the things I need (no want) to get done. I am working on putting less on my plate, so thanks for the reminder!
You are welcome! 🙂
Amen to all of these!
Love this! I am constantly over-committing myself. I can’t help it- I just want to do all the things!!
Oh I know! It’s tough!!
Trying so hard to be more productive myself. I think what used to get me was never taking time to myself. I now let Dad drop of the toddler at daycare so I can have an hour to myself in the morning to eat and meditate. Seriously makes all the difference!
Oh yes, isn’t meditating just amazing!?! I’m glad that you’re taking the time to clear your mind. It makes a huuuge difference. Thanks for reading and commenting. 🙂
Such a great post! I need to do better with not overbooking myself. lol
Belle | One Awesome Momma
This is so true. I’ve been working on implementing routines and habits so that I don’t have to think too much about what I’m doing every day. It’s hard work, but it’s making such a difference in my life. ☺ I like the point you made about saying no to things. I’m trying that out.
It makes a huuuuuge difference. 🙂
I love creating schedules…I just am terrible at the follow through 🙂 I’m pretty sure part of it is lack of sleep due to my 8 month old. Productivity is one of those things I’m becoming more aware of at home. I loved having a schedule before as a teacher. As a stay at home mom I’ve been kind of lazy with our schedule. I need to work on routines! This is motivating!
This is a great post and I totally agree–taking care of myself and having a routine definitely help me be more productive!
It makes a difference doesn’t it? 🙂
I really need to do these things!
Such a great post! I really agree with everything you said, but especially about how they don’t overbook themselves! Sometimes this is something that I am guilty of and I need to cut it out!
It’s a good thing to remember
These are such good tips. I often forget to take care of myself, and need to work on that.
Love the taking care of ourselves part! So easy to forget, but so important.
I am certainly a creature of habit. I do the same things daily for my blog so that I know that they always get done. I have the same little habits all day everyday and it makes me kick butt at time management.
That’s the way to do it girl!
This is such a great reminder. I learned the power of the word NO a long time ago…I just need to keep practicing it to make sure my time is well spent.
Yes, it’s sometimes a hard word to say but well worth it.
I loved these tips on being a super scheduler! Too often we can get overwhelmed, but keeping sight of these tips can definitely help get you on track for successful time management! Great layout too btw!
Thanks so much!!
This is so true. Being a creature of habit has worked really well for me and having a general schedule that I stick to.
Great! Yeah, I think being a creature of habit gets a bad rap sometimes.
Habits are so important for me! Also, making a simple to-do list every day. It’s not lengthy. In fact it is usually just the 3 most critical items for that day.
That’s the best way to do a to-do list.
I need to learn how to quit “overbooking” myself. When this happens I actually feel like I’m not being productive because I am so sluggish.
It’s a hard habit to break, especially for us “go getters.”
Yes to all of these! There are some days I do not have all my ducks in a row but most of these I do. I have to-do lists written everywhere to make sure I get things done. Saying no is a big thing. Sometimes you can’t just do it all and that’s okay. Also when I am healthier and workout more, I have more energy to get things done. Great post!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I’m really trying to be more productive and organised! I’m loving all of your advice and will definitely be putting some of them into practice!
Lianne | Makes, Bakes and Decor
Thanks for stopping by and commenting! 🙂
Great tips! People often ask me how I am so productive, and I use many of these techniques – plus some serious time/energy management tools to stay on top of it all!
Good for you!!! 🙂
I am such a stickler for routine….I also make myself a list of things I want to do that day and I love marking them off!
Good for you. Routines get a bad rap but they are so important.
I try so hard not to overbook myself. It is so important to leave some time for yourself!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
It’s hard but soooo important!
i 100% believe in taking care of yourself! If I don’t eat right or workout I don’t even have the energy to completely my tasks!
Good for you! 🙂