People often ask Emma and I what our secret is for getting so much done. While we do keep busy and work hard, we also have a pretty balanced life. We take days off, and we are able to fit most of our work within set hours each day, leaving time to relax, go on dates and just live life! It hasn't always been this way. Even a few years ago, we still felt like we were working 24/7 without much of a social life. Here are a few tips that helped up gain balance and actually get MORE done in less hours. It's about working smarter, not harder. Here are our tips:
1. Make lists and stick to them.
The number one reason we are able to post 2-3 blogs every single day is because we are organized. When you know what you need to work on you spend less time between each task wondering what is the next priority. Emma and I invest time every week in making a plan and a schedule for the blog articles that we need to write as well as all the behind the scenes work that needs to take place.
I remember how it felt years ago to wake up every morning and wonder what I was going to blog about. I would scramble trying to come up with something and a lot of times just post something quick or easy to fill the time. I LOVE the method we use now so much more. With just a little planning we are able to spend more time working on our blog content and less time stressing. The same rule applies to all the projects in my life. If it's not on my list, I probably won't remember to do it.
2. Do what you must to avoid distractions.
If you need to leave your home for a few hours and find a coffee shop, write blog posts at odd hours or turn off your TV, do it! I often catch myself spending too much time browsing Pinterest and Bloglovin' during work time. Sometimes I have to log out, so I can remind myself not to get sucked in. Seriously... When I am not logged in to any social networking websites, I save HOURS of valuable work time each week. I notice that when I am traveling, I get SO many more quality ideas in my notebook. And I think it's just a benefit of being "unplugged" and changing up my environment.
If you work from home, it's even harder. From where I'm blogging right now, I can look up and see three or four things that I need to do—yikes! I definitely relate with the challenge to stay focused. Bottom line: Don't let your environment keep you from doing your best work. Change your environment or change your schedule... You can do it!
3. Prioritize.
Instead of staring at your huge list of projects you want to do, force yourself to make a short list with only one or two projects. Keeping a smaller number of projects "open" at once will help you to focus and enjoy each one! You can start a new project each time you complete one.
I've learned over time that taking on too many projects at once can cause me to feel overwhelmed and guilty. Commit to prioritizing and working on just a few projects at a time. You will still get some much needed variety in your workload without all the stress!
I hope this has been helpful! If you have any tried-and-true time saving tips, please share them in the comments! xo. Elsie
This is something I have been struggling with. I make crazy long lists and expect myself to accomplish all of it. Short lists like you said is something I need to focus on... and signing out of all those social networking sites. It's hard when you are your own boss. Thanks Elsie!
Posted by: Courtney Howard | October 12, 2012 at 06:15 PM
Thanks so much for your tips, Elsie! Very helpful. I'm definitely going to give planning my blog posts in advance a serious go.
Posted by: Chrissa ~ a tad bit creative | October 12, 2012 at 06:16 PM
Making lists has always been the most helpful for me! Prioritizing is tough though, way easier said than done!
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Heather | October 12, 2012 at 06:20 PM
SO true! I swear I would loose my head without my lists! Whenever I feel overwhelmed or find myself spending too much time doing unimportant things I make myself sit down and write down what I need to do next - works like a charm!
Posted by: Josie | October 12, 2012 at 06:23 PM
Great tips! Now if I only had the discipline to do them.... lol. I think it's great the two of you have each other. I know I'm much better about things if I've got someone pushing me to do the things I know I need to do.
Posted by: Mary Beougher | October 12, 2012 at 06:29 PM
I write loads of lists too, to keep my schedule organized and my head clear. I totally agree with all 3 tips above. I think these 3 consist the ultimate way of working. :) Perfectly said *
Posted by: Anna-Rosa | October 12, 2012 at 06:31 PM
Completely agree with #2. Sometimes I just have to get away to get stuff done. What really helped me organize my schedule was making a dry erase calendar on my mirror. Looks hideous, but really helps me visually see what needs to be done. Plus that's the mirror I look at when I get ready, so there's no avoiding it.
-Melissa
Http://shakeshakee.blogspot.com
Posted by: melissa ahamad | October 12, 2012 at 06:43 PM
These tips are super-duper appreciated! I've noticed that I have a tendency to do many things at once, which results in doing each thing poorly "for example making the bed whilst brushing my teeth" hehe- but when you put your WHOLE SELF completely IN THE MOMENT. Each task gets done faster and more efficiently than "multi-tasking" - that's what works for me anyway! ThankYou for continuing to be an inspiration to - well- THOUSANDS(!) you really do touch many many lives in a positive and inspirational way xo
Posted by: Christine (Verve Evolving) | October 12, 2012 at 06:55 PM
This couldn't have come at a better time, Elsie. I needed this. I'm building a 3-site network, no small task for anyone! I'm also the mother to three daughter's 16, 13, and 10 and we live in a small apartment. It's easy to get distracted living in close quarters! When I get overwhelmed, I veer away from my lists. Thank you so much for reminding me! Making one right now and sticking it on my corkboard:) Yay! I was wondering how you girls do it all and make it look easy!!!
http://www.popsparkleandshineclub.com
http://lauralistar.onsugar.com
http://www.thedamselintheattic.com
Posted by: Laurali Star | October 12, 2012 at 07:04 PM
All great advice! :D
Posted by: Kayla | October 12, 2012 at 07:08 PM
Making lists is the best time saver for me too, I seriously would not be able to get half the things done if I hadn't planned them ahead of time.
For myself, I am more productive in the morning. So, I learned that waking up early and starting my big projects in the morning rather than staying up late to finish them works better for me. I think just finding that golden time of when you are most productive can make all the difference!
Posted by: Rachel | October 12, 2012 at 07:09 PM
Thank you Elsie & Emma, this is actually very timely for me and a great reality check! I'm a new blogger and fulltime mother to three great girls feeling a tad overwhelmed : )
Posted by: Jane Barry | October 12, 2012 at 07:10 PM
I think the best time saving tip I have found that works every time, is make a playlist! I find that getting immersed into music helps keep me focused and on track, and with the songs I choose to listen to I can get myself into a particular mood and even influence the work that I produce at the time. Plus, I feel like I am enjoying myself, humming along to whatever I have going through my headphones, and thus I feel less inclined to waste time on the Internet or take an extended break.
I have different playlists I like to use for different tasks, writing, painting, pattern drafting or sewing. Within these tasks I also have a couple different "moods", so things don't get too repetitive. Works like a charm to keep me focused, excited, and working. When the music ends, it's time for a break!
--Erin
Posted by: Erin | October 12, 2012 at 07:18 PM
Thank you for this! I just started my Masters program and am still figuring out how to balance school, work, to-do's, my marriage, and time for myself! I so love reading your blog, thank you for all of the inspiration. (I'm also working on my four simple goals, but am not totally decided yet).
Posted by: Jessica Cafferty | October 12, 2012 at 07:50 PM
I love reading your time-saving tips! I've learned to have a short list to keep myself from being overwhelmed with the eternal list.
http://catherinedenton.com
Posted by: Catherine Denton | October 12, 2012 at 07:54 PM
Prioritizing and making lists is the only way I get anything done! Great tips, Elsie.
Posted by: Gina_AcuteDesigns | October 12, 2012 at 07:57 PM
Thanks so much for all of this!! It's really, really appreciated.
I would LOVE to know more details about your list making process. I know that probably sounds weird. I love making lists, and do so everyday, I'm just not good at making them work for me.
Thanks a million!
Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Michael Wurm, Jr. | October 12, 2012 at 07:58 PM
Great tips! I've also found that turning off the tv helps me... I have a bad habit of turning on Netflix when I sit down with my computer!
xo. Kate
http://acreativecookie.blogspot.com
Posted by: Kate @ A Creative Cookie | October 12, 2012 at 08:03 PM
I love this! Sometimes you know these things but it really takes the dedication to do them. Putting this one in my back pocket :)
xoxohannah
www.signedxoxohannah.com
Posted by: xoxohannah | October 12, 2012 at 08:05 PM
Thank you! I have been struggling with this. While I know social media and staying on top of what is going on in the rest of the blogesphere is a key part of the picture I know that I waste so much time flitting about rather than getting to the task at hand or even determining what that task is. I need to truly unplug for some of the day to accomplish more.
Posted by: Perilously Pale | October 12, 2012 at 08:09 PM