5 Best Time Management Secrets Revealed

As personal assistants we’ve learned a thing or two about time management and staying organized that might help you manage your own household. Here we reveal 5 of our best tips that are simple practices to keep your work/home balance on an even keel:

1. Keep one calendar—paper or electronic. Yes, just one! Every appointment, to-do and deadline goes on this calendar. Get it out of your brain and onto the calendar and you’ll feel less stress automatically.
2. Admit there’s no time for procrastination in your busy schedule. If you can’t completely finish a task on time or stay on top of big projects—hire someone who can help you.
3. Reflect on your real goals and prioritize your activities. What are the top 5 things on your priority list right this instant? If you don’t know, it’s time for some quiet reflection. Maybe your priorities include your spiritual life, deepening your relationship with your spouse, or spending one-on-one time with each of your children every day. Maybe maintaining a fitness routine, or staying on your household budget, or getting a promotion are priorities. Whatever your top 5 are—and be honest about them—these are what you need to be concentrating on every day. Everyone doesn’t have time for a book club, or scrapbooking, or planning the next big not-for-profit fundraiser. Being efficient often means knowing what not to do. Say “no” often. Revisit and adjust your list of priorities with the seasons.
4. Streamline your housekeeping routines. Let some stuff go. If it absolutely, positively must be done and you don’t have time to do it–call in an expert for some help.
5. Don’t let morning chaos ruin your day before you even make it into the office. Pack any lunches the night before. Have everyone organize their clothes for school and work as part of their bedtime routine. If you have shared bathroom space—give everyone a time slot. Leave the pancakes and omelets for lazy weekend mornings. Keep weekday morning breakfasts simple and, if necessary, portable.

Routines are the secret to keeping your life running smoothly and with as little stress as possible. Many surprises, emergencies, and last-minute disruptions are really just the unwelcome and often untimely result of lack of order.

At Your Service is here to help! Our initial consultation is always free, so call us at 314-994-1382.