| Hi read,
How are you? No, really, how are you? Sometimes you can struggle to actually get things done in summer. Once the school year starts you have high hopes to catch up. And if you don't quickly start crossing things off your list, you might get frustrated.
I'm here to remind you about two things. First, it takes time to get into the groove as the school year is starting. And two, productivity ebbs and flows. You're simply not going to be equally productive every day. And that's OK. You're not a robot. You're a working mom and things come up some days.
I get that knowing this might not make you feel better. OK to be human, mama. It all does balance out over time.
Let's talk about working smarter, though, so you can turn things around if you're feeling like you're not being productive or managing your time well. Let's start with the idea that working smarter is not only about productivity. It's about a combination of time management, productivity, and staying on task. So that we're on the same page, let's talk definitions. Time management is planning and controlling your time. Productivity is about making the most of your time. And, staying on task is about focus. Use all three of these together to help you work smarter and get things done.
When it comes to maximizing time management, I like to plan the week on Sunday and plan each night for the next day. Take time to think about and set goals and priorities for the week and each day. Have an idea of how you want the week to flow to reach your week-long goals. And then track your time to see how you're doing versus what you planned. Know your non-negotiables so that you know what must be done each day and what you can move around.
Some days you don't feel like being productive (or is it just me?). Even when you're not feeling like it, consider how you work and use your peak productivity, the time of day when you naturally hit your groove, more effectively. How you work at the office is different than how you might work at home with more interruptions from your kids. The Pomodoro technique can help when your time is choppy. Consider when you work (e.g., wake up earlier to have uninterrupted time). More on my blog on this topic to give you ideas. To be most effective with your peak productivity, use the time to work on your most challenging work. Don't cross a bunch of things off your to-do list, even though that might be tempting.
I've read that a huge part of working smarter is staying focused. Let's be real, it's hard to stay focused with all the things we have going on as working mothers. You can download tools on your computer to keep you off of the internet or social media. Planning your time can help you know what you must work on, so don't discount how time management and focus can work together. I've also removed apps from my phone, which might help you. I know it can be hard, but it really does give you back time when you can't access social media from your phone.
It's also hard to stay focused when you're being interrupted by your kids. Let them know with signs on your door (colors work or an actual sign/signal) when it's OK to interrupt. Or schedule specific times when they can ask questions/get your help. And, if they do interrupt you if you're mid-thought, write down bullets of your next thoughts before you turn your attention to new things.
What's helping you work smarter? Or maybe how can I help you in this area? Would it be helpful to do a training + Q&A on this?
Sending so much love and positive energy your way. You've got this!
Be well,
Suzanne
PS As the school year is starting, keep your kids' stuff out of the lost & found. Check out my favorite personalized stick on labels from Mabel's Labels so that your child isn't losing items and contributing to the school's lost & found. (affiliate link) | 
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