Life can often feel like a juggling act, constant struggling to get everything done, especially if you have a full-time job, are a parent, and do freelancing on the side. It’s a challenging feat that requires careful planning, time management, and self-care. In this post, I’ll share a few practical strategies to help you achieve a harmonious balance between these three significant aspects of your life.
11 Strategies on How To Get Everything Done
1. Prioritize and Set Realistic Goals
Begin by identifying your most important tasks and responsibilities within each domain – work, parenting, and freelancing. Let’s face it, we are only human and there will be times when you won’t be able to finish all the items on your list. That’s why it’s important to prioritize what is the most important and needs to get done before the end of the day or week.
Set clear, achievable goals for each area. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a given timeframe. For instance, I work with several clients and websites. I choose specific days of the week to work on different websites. I don’t know whether I’ll be able to get anything done if I don’t work systematic.
2. Master Time Management
Utilize time management techniques such as time-blocking to maximize productivity during work and freelancing hours. Allocate different time slots for different areas. For instance, on Saturdays and Sundays, I get up very early (around 04:30) and work for about 2-3 hours. Then I spend some time with my family, get a few chores done at home (laundry, gardening, etc.), work for another hour or two if time permits, and end the day with activities I enjoy (watching Netflix) – anything that is not work-related.
Share parenting and household responsibilities with your partner or enlist the help of a trusted family member or friend when needed. This has helped me personally – my husband will do the cooking and some of the cleaning while I focus on my work. Consider outsourcing tasks like house cleaning or grocery shopping to free up more of your time.
4. Optimize Your Work Hours
Minimize distractions during work hours to maximize your efficiency. I prefer to listen to music while I’m doing my freelance work to block out distracting noises. It takes immense self-discipline to stick to a routine and work for at least a few hours over the weekend while most people relax and enjoy some time off.
5. Set Boundaries
Establish clear boundaries between work, parenting, and freelancing. Communicate these boundaries to your family, clients, and colleagues. Protect your personal time and avoid overextending yourself. When it’s quiet at the office an all my office work is up to date, I use some of the time to do freelance work or to publish articles on my website. My son knows that he should not bother me while mommy is working. After my work is done, we can do something that he likes.
6. Leverage Technology and Tools
Consider automating routine tasks like bill payments or social media posts to save time. Most social media pages have the option to schedule posts for specific dates. Even WordPress sites allow you to format and schedule a post for publishing on a preferred date.
7. Practice Self-Care
Prioritize self-care to maintain your physical and mental well-being. This includes regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep. Take breaks to recharge during the day, even short moments of mindfulness or deep breathing exercises. Sometimes, I get up in the morning and don’t feel like working.
Related: 15 Best Ways To Practice Self-Care
Because I have such a hectic schedule and several commitments, I take off a day when I lack inspiration or feel like my body is telling me to take a break. Some days, it feels like I have a mental block, and I just cannot come up with interesting or engaging content. Or if I’m too tired, I struggle to concentrate. Usually, I take a break and try again the next day when I’ve had a good night’s rest and feel fresh and rejuvenated.
8. Set Realistic Expectations
Accept that you may not be able to excel in every area all the time. There will be days when one aspect of your life takes precedence. For instance, when my child is sick or I have a family emergency. Work simply has to take a back seat until things settle down and return to normal. Embrace imperfection and focus on progress rather than perfection.
9. Network and Seek Support
Build a support network of fellow parents, freelancers, and colleagues who understand your challenges and can offer advice or assistance. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. I am immensely fortunate to know and work with amazing fellow mom bloggers and business professionals. I feel that honesty and transparency can get you anywhere. It has always worked for me. If I’m going through a rough patch or my week is so busy that I’m worried that I might not finish a project or task at the original timeline, it’s better to be honest and say to your client that you’ll get it done but within a day or two.
10. Regularly Assess and Adjust
Periodically review your priorities and commitments in all areas of your life. Adjust your schedule and goals as circumstances change, and be willing to reevaluate what’s most important.
11. Remember The Why
This is probably the most vital thing to remember. Why are you doing this – what is your goal? For me, the primary goal is my son. He is only seven years old and doesn’t really comprehend the long hours, sacrifices, and commitment of enduring whatever is thrown at you to get everything done and make ends meet. My second goal is to be able to, at some point, work from home and become a full-time mompreneur.
Final Thoughts
Balancing work, parenting, and freelancing is undoubtedly demanding, but it’s achievable with the right strategies and mindset. Remember that finding balance is an ongoing process; seeking help or making adjustments along the way is perfectly okay. By setting realistic goals, managing your time effectively, and prioritizing self-care, you can navigate this intricate balancing act and create a fulfilling life that encompasses all your responsibilities and passions. I hope these strategies on how to get everything done has been helpful and that you will try some of them to see if they work for you.
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