Time Management for Busy Moms (catholic)

[LavenderMom23]

Now, let’s talk strategy. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Relax. Being stressed doesn't help accomplish anything. A peaceful demeanor actually improves efficiency.

2. Start your day with a prayer. Ask God for help in prioritizing and implementing your plan. Ask ahead for His guidance and strength. Thank Him for the blessing of the children He has trusted you with and the husband who will help you gain heaven. (One major purpose and function of marriage, remember, is to help each other get to heaven!)

3. Set goals, prioritize and tackle one thing at a time. Don't focus on something other than the task at hand. In other words, don't fret about the messy basement when you are writing checks to pay the bills or reading your child a story.

4. Use a list and check off tasks as you accomplish them.

5. Always put people before things and projects, even worthwhile things and projects.

6. Be flexible and trust God.

I like to keep a small notebook in my apron or jeans pocket so it is handy to write down everything I think of or need to handle that comes up during the day. I transfer relevant items to my master goal list, which I compile each month and from which I pull off daily goals. 

My long-term goals are probably much like yours:

• Maintain daily communication with God. Frequent the sacraments. (Tend to spiritual health)
• Nurture relationships with husband, family and friends (Tend to social and emotional health)
• Exercise (Tend to physical health)
• Keep a generally clean and uncluttered home
• Prepare nutritious meals daily
• See to the proper education of children
• Tackle other projects of interest and need.

Managing time is a constant adjustment for me. I succeed. I fail. I adjust. I keep going. I learn from other smart moms.

A couple other observations: many efficient Catholic mothers hardly ever watch television, not because television is so bad (which it can be at times?, but because there is so much more that is edifying to do, even if it is just having a conversation. Also, remember God did not intend for us to be machines. We should make time for relaxing and rejuvenating. Actually, that’s what Sunday is for!

I’d like to finish with an inspirational quote. Stick it on your refrigerator and read it often: “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) I can, you can, and He will. And that’s the most important time management principle to know.

http://www.integratedcatholiclife.org/2010/07/time-management-for-busy-moms/