Time management is the ability to use one’s time effectively or productively.

In my opinion, time management is the key to efficient working, a productive lifestyle and success. I wanted to write this blog to help those struggling or wanting advice on how I manage my time and how I am able to be so busy and so productive!

I am going to take you through my process for creating realistic and prioritized time management goals!

Although there are many aspects of time management there are a few that I feel are the core of managing your time –

• Goal Setting
• Prioritizing
• Self-Awareness/Realism/Stress Management
• Planning
• Focus
• Patience

Let’s start off with the reason why we want to manage our time to begin with, #GOALS. Most everyone has a dream. A dream of a career, family or lifestyle. Well NEWS TO YOU – DREAMS WILL TAKE YOU NOWHERE WITHOUT REALISTIC GOAL SETTING. Your dreams are not going to come to fruition by happenstance. Your dreams will flourish when you’ve worked hard to make them a reality.

Start by writing down your top 5 goals for this week. Keep it simple, there will be more time for details

later– (Mine are in red for examples)

1. Get 5 lifting sessions and 1 cardio session in this week
2. Make sure all training plans are sent out for the week
3. Get all laundry done
4. Have dinner date with friends
5. Write a blog on time management

Next, we need to prioritize these goals. You must look at your goals for the week and determine what needs to be a top priority and what can fall lower on the list. Below are my weekly goals prioritized and why.

1. Make sure all training plans are sent out for the week. This is number one for me because if I don’t succeed at this than my clients suffer and can’t stay on track with their goals, so you best believe my clients come first!
2. Get 5 lifting sessions and 1 cardio session in this week. This is almost a tie with number 1. REMEMBER YOU NEED TO TAKE TIME FOR SELF CARE. If you don’t make time to be your best you can never expect to be able to give others your all!
3. Write a blog on time management. Early in the week I decided that this was something I wanted to do for my clients and for those who struggle with being busy. This falls at number 3 because I always strive to do what I say I’m going to do! Of course, something like this not getting done isn’t the end of the world but you must stay true to who you are and if you tell someone you are going to do something then I truly believe it reflects on your character whether you follow through or not.
4. Get all the laundry done (and put away). Yes, even I struggle with keeping up with chores. It seems like the never fucking ending cycle and am I ever going to catch a break lol.
5. Dinner date with friends. It is important to make time for those you love.

When making my time management list, I follow 3 guidelines –

• Self-Awareness
• Realism
• Stress Management

I ALWAYS set out the entire week up front and then make changes accordingly throughout the week as unexpected things pop up, but at least I have a great start!

It is so important to be self-aware and realistic about how much time you have and how much you know you can handle. For me, I always allow myself extra time with each day for the specific goal I have. I’d rather allow myself a 30 min cushion at the gym rather than be running behind and cause myself stress. Which leads me to my next topic, stress management.

Managing your stress is CRUCIAL in all things life. Stress can cause a decline in mental health, physical health, productivity and much more. Being able to successfully manage your daily stressors will help you feel more in control and ready to conquer the day!

Focus and patience may not seem very important but anyone who lives a busy, yet productive lifestyle will totally understand the importance of this. Spending time focusing on each of your goals will help you stay on track and not become distracted. When I’m feeling “lazy” I just spend a few minutes to look over my list and how each of those things will help me get closer to my goals and it helps me reengage!

Let’s be honest, even I have those days where I just want to lay on the couch and binge watch my favorite Netflix show, Monk.

Last, but most definitely not least, YOU HAVE TO HAVE PATIENCE. Read that again is you didn’t grasp it. Nothing worth having ever comes easy. Only hard work, persistence and dedication can get you to where you want to be.

So, start today. Start managing your time and making an impact on your future. Only you can take control. IT IS TIME!

Lorelle