I’ve received a bunch of comment requests for an update on how we’re doing when it comes to finding the ever-elusive work/life balance that we’ve publicly proclaimed that we want to get a handle on this year (we never aspired to work nights, weekends, and even on vacation – and we only have ourselves to blame).
So we thought it was a fun subject to tackle while we’re working away on the front porch (can’t wait to share an update for you guys tomorrow!). The scallops are a-tumbling down and the columns are getting boxed in.
But back to the whole work/life balance battle. The first step in the not-working-every-second-of-every-day thing for us was definitely acknowledging the problem (it has definitely been harder for us to shut things off now that both of our jobs revolve around a 24/7 internet, and our laptops are only a room or two away). Then we just started chatting about it to the world at large (nothing lights a fire under your butt like a public proclamation). So we mentioned it here, here, and even here in this BBC video:
And now that we’ve been working on it for the last four months or so, with some noticeable progress, I thought I’d share a few things that seem to be helping us get more done in less time (we still have a ways to go considering that we still work three weekends out of four, but we’re moving in the right direction).
- Writing out a specific list of things that need to be accomplished and circling the top five priorities, then working towards completing those first. Prioritizing is helpful to me because it I can resist the urge to check smaller things off the list since they’re easier, which isn’t efficient if the bigger tasks are more important or time sensitive (I’m just stalling if I’m putting small easy things in front of the big important things that have to be done anyway).
- Being satisfied when we each complete the five most important items of the day on our list. It usually takes us all day to get to that point thanks to switching off on caring for Clara, but once we finish them we have to resist the urge to add five more things to the list and work until 1am. Instead we’re trying to be satisfied and allow ourselves some non-work time in the evening when we can. It feels weird to cut ourselves off – but it’s so good for us to step. away. from. the. laptop.
- Cutting down on inbox clutter. John and I receive about 200 emails a day (it’s a pretty even split since we divide and conquer when it comes to managing ads, giveaways, and inquiries in general) but I noticed that around 30% of those emails are junk mail, so I took ten minutes one morning to unsubscribe to those daily offenders. Turns out it’s a lot nicer to wake up to emails in the double digits (even if there are 72 in my inbox by 8am) than triple digits (ex: 145 the first time I check my email) – so I’ll take it. We’ve also been using the canned message function in gmail to help us handle certain emails more efficiently (sure beats writing up the same info every time).
- Stepping down to seven posts a week instead of eight. This has actually really helped since we implemented it after mentioning it here. Even though it doesn’t sound like it should make much of a difference (it’s just one less post a week), it adds up to 52 fewer posts a year – which means that now one week night or even a whole Saturday may get to be spent doing something fun as a family instead of scrambling to maintain our old eight-posts-in-five-days pace.
- Being realistic. This year one of our resolutions is to remember that we’re only two people. Two highly dedicated folks who love what we do, but two people who can’t do the work of ten people, no matter how hard we try. So we just have to do our best and accept that projects could always be bigger and posts could always have more pictures but we can’t beat ourselves up about doing things as thoroughly as we can manage and then pressing “publish.” Especially when we’re churning out around 30 posts a month (which means that noodling one project or post too much can actually rob time from other things on the agenda).
And while John and I are very much a work in progress on this subject, my friends and relatives are all much smarter than we are (most of them work regular hours and spend every night, weekend, and vacation without being connected to a computer). Can you imagine?! It’s the most romantic notion, and we’re desperate to get in on that action someday. So I decided to text them all one simple question and see if they had any advice. The question? “How do you work smarter, and not harder?” Here’s what they all had to say:
Emily, a senior booking agent, mother of three (and John’s sister) says: Realistically I work smarter by asking for help and having a support network of friends. I literally spend hours in a car shuttling kids and can’t be in more than one place. So a very organized network of carpoolers is my lifeline. I realize and accept that there’s no possible way for me to do it alone. I also work smarter by having my older kids (ages 12 and 14) do their own laundry and put it away. They make their own lunches too. That old saying “don’t do for your kids what they can do for themselves” definitely contributes to our household running more smoothly.
Cat, a mother of two says: I put things away as I find them. Everything has its place. I designate a time each day to take a laundry basket and carry it floor to floor to put things away. I like to give myself a deadline like ten minutes to see how much I can get done. I read something once that said “Where does a fork go in your house? In the utensil holder in the utensil drawer in the kitchen. Make everything a fork. Everything needs a spot.” It really resonated with me. Oh and I don’t do auto pay on any bills because I like to look them over and make sure I’m not getting hosed, but I pay them immediately upon receipt. I’ve often found overages I would’ve missed if I signed up for auto-pay that way.
Roo, a mother of three and humor blogger says: I use canned responses in Gmail along with a lot of helpful labs in Gmail. And I like the send + archive button (here’s a post with more of her tips).
Noah, an artist, author, and brand new father says: I try to maintain inbox zero as a way to not let email be my to-do list. So I immediately respond to short emails, especially at the start and end of my workday. I think of it as hitting the tennis ball back across the net, “pok, your turn.” Sometimes I’ll quit my email program or cover the notification bar during the middle of my work day when I don’t want to be distracted. I also unsubscribe from mailing lists and have an auto response for messages that only need a stock response. I also separate personal and work email so I’m not distracted by the other when I’m at/away from work.
Katie, a blogger and mother of two says: For blogging, I think batch editing, grouping like projects together (spray painting ten things instead of just one), and writing out a post to-do list helps. I also like to upload all of the photos for five different posts in one day and then write the narration for one of them each evening that follows. I also have set times for comment-reading and post-writing that coincide with sleep times or independent play time for my children. I also like to plan out a morning craft or activity the night before so if I stay up late working I don’t rob the kids of something fun in the morning. Oh and I use a crock pot a lot, and always have shredded chicken on hand for quick meals.
Kristin, a freelance copywriter says: My calendar is my boss. I plan ahead, and live/die by it. I put workouts on there so time is scheduled in, along with lunch dates, deadlines, and whatever I’m going to work on each day. That way, I see my day, know what needs to be done, and feel good checking things off. You can easily work harder if you just fill your calendar with stuff until you’re not sleeping, but I don’t do that. I need a break. I also never ever EVER work on Saturday. Saturday is my day. No exceptions. Also, I like a glass of wine after a long day. It unwinds me ;)
Megan, a senior marketing director says: Efficiency and technology. Develop strategic systems and plans the first time you do something so that the next time you attempt it the path is already laid out for you. Evaluate the process a few times a year to allow for evolution and refinement. And if a computer can process something faster than you can, let it or learn how to let it.
Dan, a chemist (and my push-up loving brother) says: Multitask so there’s not a minute wasted. Like brush your teeth while you shower or watch a TV show and do pushups during the commercials.
Dusty, a full time quality improvement manager, mother, and blogger says: If you’re doing something you love, it won’t matter how hard you have to work to get there. The smartest people know this, and choose their tasks accordingly. And if its a job you hate to do, but it still has to get done (like cleaning the bathroom, prepping taxes, proofreading) it’s not a crime to outsource those to save precious time that could be better spent doing something else.
Heather, an advertising art supervisor and mother says: All of the following things seem to help me make my day go smoother and cut out inefficiencies: being prepared, doing research, hiring the right people with the correct skill set, making a plan, making a list, asking questions, thinking ahead, and preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.
Nicole, a blogger and mother of two says: I had to work more efficiently when I became a mom because I had less time (and desire) to work. I use canned email responses for pitches that aren’t a good fit. I try to get a little more done at night if I want to have a mid-week day off, and I started saving drafts in my WordPress admin with ideas for future posts. They could just be a title or a few links but they’re great for keeping me on track when I’m stuck and I don’t forget topics that I want to cover. I also have a secret Pinterest board (“Things To Blog About”) to visually bookmark ideas.
Lisa, operations director and mother of two says: It’s got to be technology. Keeping to-do lists, reminders, and calendars on my iPhone helps me get things done and get my family where they need to be. Menu planning also saves me a lot of time.
Diana, a trial attorney of thirty years (and my mom) says: The key to efficiency for me is identifying what I want to do, mapping out specific and realistic tasks that will lead to accomplishing it, and completing those tasks without distraction. I find that multitasking is usually too chaotic for me, so focusing on one task at a time leads to a better personal result.
Isn’t it interesting how something that works for someone (my brother loves multitasking) doesn’t work for another (my mom loves focusing on one task at a time – which is usually the best approach for me – so I guess I’m my mother’s daughter). And now, since I’m convinced you guys have secrets of your own, let’s pretend I just texted you the “how do you work smarter, not harder?” question. Any tips or tricks out there that work for you?
Update – Some of the most frequent requests that we get are for info about professionally blogging (how we made our site, how we grew our following, how we make money, etc) so we shared all of the details about how we started a blog, grew our traffic, and turned it into a full time job.
Nicole @ Liberty Belles says
love reading posts like this. while I may not be able to relate as far as blogging goes, I totally agree with everything you have to say from a professional level (blogger, teacher, doctor, or whatever!)
Henna | HENNA BLOSSOM blog says
THANK YOU for this post. I’m not even finished reading through. I got half-way through and just had a….”THIS is exactly what I need” moment. :)
I am so amazed with what you guys accomplish. Between blogging, my 19 month year old, home projects on our 100 year old home, and LIFE I sometimes just realize there aren’t enough hours in the day.
Yes, work smarter, not harder. :)
Okay…back to READING! Thanks guys for the reminder ;)
Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says
I love this post. I am forever questiong how you guys do it. You blog, post, travel, take time out to do family fun stuff that actually involves getting out of the house and all with a smile on your face.
I find that I struggle to find time to do anything and jump from one thing to another without actually accomplishing anything.
Love all these tips…good to know there is hope out there…just need to change from working harder to working smarter. :-)
Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says
One more thing – tried to click on the video and it says it is private….don’t know if it is just my comp. or other people are getting the same message.
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry, just fixed that!
xo
s
Jessica says
The video is marked private so I can’t view it. =(
YoungHouseLove says
Ack, so sorry! Off to fix that!
xo
s
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
You guys have NO IDEA how timely this is for me. I’m becoming seriously overwhelmed especially as I’m scheduling vacation posts and social media scheduling and have forgotten about the simplicity of a “to do list.” I let it swirl in my mind and I feel so much better when I can physically see it and cross it off. (Which is also my tip! I should take my own advice!)
I’m off to grab my Hello Kitty notebook! (Don’t judge me! HA!)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, so glad!
xo
s
Wendy @ New Moms Talk says
My husband and I are in a similar spot- we both work from home and have a young daughter while my hub’s son from his first marriage is in Virginia and visits on occasion. Add to that the hub is a grad student.
What works for us:
*we work on different schedules (I’m an early morning person and he’s a wee hour morning person)!
*we communicate really, really well!
*we know what our priorities are and we support each other!
I could go on, but that’s for another day!
Balance isn’t easy, and sometimes one has to accept that things are heavy at times and lighter at others.
YoungHouseLove says
Love all the tips guys!
xo
s
Sonia says
Hi! The youtube video is set to private, fyi, so i couldn’t watch it
YoungHouseLove says
All fixed :)
xo
s
Jess @ Little House. Big Heart. says
Much like Kristin, I live and die by my planner. Dinner with friends? Workout session with my trainer? Hosting Bible study? If it’s not on the planner it doesn’t happen.
But while my “real” life is pretty organized, but my blogging life is a mess. I don’t have a dedicated time to write posts and often end up putting something together last minute. You publicly declared you need to take time away from your blog; I’m publicly declaring I need to spend a little more time with it!
Jess @ Crunchy Hot Mama says
Jess, I’m right there with ya! I want to focus more on my blog than I actually do. I have so many post ideas in my head that I end up getting nothing done, or it takes me longer than expected. It’s so frustrating and overwhelming at the same time-especially staying home w/ my 2yo and expecting another. I’m thinking if I set small goals for myself (like 2 posts a week) and write them down, I’ll know what’s coming up and can spill all my ideas out so I don’t forget anything.
Here’s to blogging more while the Petersiks are blogging less ;)
Sarah says
My current boss has really instilled in me “aces in their places.” We all help run a pizza restaurant and lead a great group of people. If D is the best in the kitchen on a busy shift and I’m the best at running the floor, it doesn’t make sense for us to switch places on the shift where our best performance matters most (not to imply we shouldn’t always do our best!) Likewise, you want your best stretcher to stretch the dough, your best guy on ovens, your fastest girl to churn out those 2-minute salads. I wouldn’t scheduled my weakest server in the most crowded, highest volume sections or only one bartender on a two-bartender-night. It’s all about having the right people in the right spots at the right times.
Julia @ Chris Loves Julia says
The tip that resognated most with me was, “And if its a job you hate to do, but it still has to get done (like cleaning the bathroom, prepping taxes, proofreading) it’s not a crime to outsource those to save precious time that could be better spent doing something else.” I, honestly, never even thought about that. About the possibility of me NOT doing something necessary but maybe I don’t love, in order to give me more time to do the things that mean most to me.
For me, I definitely don’t have it all worked out–not nearly, but I work smarter, not harder by not sitting down until I have my to-do list done. It sounds crazy. But if I can stand and answer e-mails, it is easier for me to run to the dryer when I’m done and get the laundry and bring it upstairs, and get Greta breakfast and organize that stack of bills. Once I sit down–my body and mind go into break-mode.
Robin @ our semi organic life says
Do little things in your off times. Like research flights while waiting for a meeting to start, call and make that appointment while waiting for water to boil, the bus to come etc. Choose your outfits or make lunches while husband is in the shower. It’s the little things that add up on my to do lists, and they feel great when all done. Also don’t procrastinate, also click ‘save’ a lot! lol. #whohatesdeletedblogposts ?
Rene @thedomesticlady says
Love love love this post. M husband and I are working on the first two points. In the last six months we have made three DIY home improvement lists. We have already completed two of this lists and it’s incredibly rewarding!
http://thedomesticlady.com/2013/04/09/home-improvement-our-new-tv-cabinet/
YoungHouseLove says
Wahooo! Lists = awesomeville.
xo
s
Fran Siefert says
Very good advice here – useful for EVERYONE at EVERY age. Thanks, Mrs. P.
Jessica says
What is the “canned message” feature in gmail? And where do I find it? Sounds like a fantastic time saver!
YoungHouseLove says
I would google “gmail canned messages” to learn about them. They’re great! Pretty much, they’re auto responses :)
xo
s
Stefanie says
I maximize my time as best I can. It means that sometimes I have to go buy store-bought cookies on my lunchbreak at work because there’s no time to bake homemade for preschool.
I also share a calendar with my spouse, and all family appointments get added each evening so that we don’t forget anything. Everything goes on it, from date nights to due dates, to appointments, and even dinner plans. We both get home late, so to ensure that we get adequate family time it helps if we have our game plan rocked and ready.
design Thoughts ~Kim says
lol…isnt it crazy that as mamas we feel like we have to do things like makes home made cookies :) I am TOTALLY on the buy some store bought and pat yourself on the back for even remembering to pack a lunch!! hee-hee
jenn says
you guys should totally aim for 5 posts a week, 7 seems like so much especially considering how wordy you are :P
somedays when im having a slow day i come back to see a second post but most of the time i just read promptly at 10am and sometimes have two posts to read instead of one.
quality is always better than quantity. you guys are doing this to have fun and be more free it should always be fun and easy, well most of the time.
and you guys could ween out the filler posts to try and keep us happy that are really just eating your clara time
YoungHouseLove says
We do around 5 beefy posts a week (two are usually a giveaway and a reader redesign, which are super short and easy to get through). Hope it helps :)
xo
s
Holly says
Great post!
I’m sure this has already been mentioned (I don’t read the comments much), but did you guys know you are featured in the April 2013 issue of Real Simple? I was reading it last night and saw it!
YoungHouseLove says
Isn’t that amazing?! We were so honored.
xo
s
Rebecca @This Nest is Best says
This post is great! List making is always huge for me, as well as putting appointments on our family calendar – like I’ll send an appointment to my husband that a specific Saturday is set aside for a house project or yard cleaning.
But there are great tips on here – thanks for compiling and sharing! I’m going to re-read them and take some notes :)
mary says
You must spend a ton of time on comments. It probably is partly the reason for your huge readership but it seems like you could let them slide more often and reply to fewer of them, to free yourself up more? I know you didn’t ask for advice but I feel like your blog wouldn’t suffer by it and your life might improve! Comments might be the part you love, though, who knows?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, chatting with you guys is what we love. It keeps us inspired, makes us laugh, builds our momentum, and it’s also a huge part of why we think we’re “here.” So we’d never start ignoring the conversation because that’s not only a lot of the fun, we consistently hear that it’s one thing that people really appreciate :)
xo
s
jbhat says
I was wondering about this too, so thanks for bringing it up, Mary, and for responding, Sherry. I have always sort of worried (for your sake) about how much time must go into responding to comments–but I love that you do it. It’s such a great community you have here, and you’ve created a sort of virtual office space, with tons of nice colleagues and customers around–you just can’t see them.
xo
jbhat
Katy says
I too always think about how much time that must take. But I agree that it is one of the best things about blogs (and your blog in particular). Not only are you getting content (like you would in a magazine etc.), but you’re actually engaging with the writers.
Lisa E says
I often wonder how you do it and even sometimes why. Why do you have two blogs? Why not just one? There are plenty out there that combine family posts as well as DIY on one blog and it works. Less work for you, I would think. Why not one post a day? We absolutely love and appreciate all you do and I know you appreciate us, however, we shouldn’t be the priority. (I’m not saying we are and I’m definitely not trying to criticize.) I guess what I’m getting at, IMHO, to work smarter and not harder is all about priorities. What’s most important and what’s really going to matter down the road. You will find it’s always the loved ones that matter most and therein lies the answer. Priorities. Loved ones. That in itself will put everything into perspective and you can plan accordingly.
YoungHouseLove says
It’s all about doing what we love and that’s what got us here, so for now we’re just trusting our gut and (as corny as it sounds) following our passion. We also feel a lot of responsibility to ourselves and Clara to maintain our income since this isn’t just for fun, it literally puts food on the table for us. If we cut back on posts and merged blogs so there was more family stuff over here, who’s to say we would sustain the same amount of traffic and sponsor interest (which is what pays the bills). So our goal is to following our path and doing what feels right without compromising too much because that seems to be the sweet spot. Who knows, in a year or two if we have another child it might be a whole new ballgame and we’ll reevaluate then :)
xo
s
Megan says
This is more in reponse to J&S’s reply
Taking care of Clara is a full time job in itself! There’s a reason so many working parents have nannies or go to daycare. So I think it’s understandable you guys feel like you’re stretched pretty thin and don’t get the normal downtime in the evenings and weekends that some others enjoy – you are really working two full time jobs. Haha, maybe your brother will multitask some of your more tedious jobs…he’s already freed up his teeth brushing time :) so funny.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, oh yes my brother is hilarious! He also gave another tip that has to do with peeing that I refused to share.
xo
s
Sayward says
Ha!!! I always brush my teeth or put on deodorant or start getting dressed or something while peeing. Gotta accrue those extra seconds of sleep any way you can!
Layla says
Oh man, share your brother’s pee tip!!! I have to know now how I can save time while urinating! :)
(Imagine how much multitasking could go on while doing a number two….. hahaha)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo,
s
Jennifer (iffles) says
When I create my To Do list, I have a column next to it where I put an estimate of how long it’s going to take to do each task, that way if I find myself with block of time, like 10 minutes before my next meeting starts, I can glance over just the times and find one that I thought would take 10 minutes or less and get it done and check it off!
Also, and this might apply more for an office environment and not so much for you two, but I’ve started to focus on longer tasks that require my undivided attention in the morning, and if anyone tries to contact me via phone, stopping by my desk, or instant message during that time frame, I politely tell them I will get back to them before the end of the day, but I don’t stop what I’m doing. It’s amazing how much time I used to waste just flipping back and forth between tasks so much!
Martha says
Wow! This is a great tip! I always have a running to-do list and never thought to add an “estimated time” column.
Jennie says
Hey! Maybe this is a Jennifer thing … I do this too! It really helps me when I have a certain amount of time and want to complete a task within that time budget.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
Lindsey d. says
I like to remember that the world will not end if I don’t get a certain thing done at work. So at the end of the day, I turn off my computer and go home. Boom, 5:00 p.m. starts my real life. It helps that I have a traditional job with a regular, dependable paycheck and awesome co-workers.
Regular workouts help keep me sane and give me time to focus on something just for me. So I get up at 4:30 a.m. three times a week to swim and I love it.
Additionally, I try to spend 5-10 minutes every day picking things up and cleaning up everyday. Having a clean house keeps me sane and from thinking that it’s all falling down around my ears. That time doesn’t include regular everyday cleaning like making the bed and doing the dishes. Example, yesterday I came home, put away the groceries, changed and hung up my work clothes, tidied the kitchen and living room and vacuumed those two rooms in about 15 minutes. Easy-peasy and I was able to relax. I do “bigger” cleaning (bathrooms, mopping, dusting) every couple of weeks in 1-2 hours on a weekend morning or weekday evening if nothing is going on.
Christa says
Ha! I was reading each tip and feeling more and more flustered… until the very last one. I guess we just all work differently! But your mom’s work smarter tip definitely resonates the most with me. Yay Sherry’s mom!
YoungHouseLove says
She’s a smartie pants.
xo
s
Annie says
I agree with this! I’m an attorney as well, and while multi-tasking is great for chores at home that don’t require actual brain power, it doesn’t work for most of us when we’re engaging in critical thinking. I can’t believe your mom maintained a practice as a trial attorney all these years while raising kids- I was just telling someone that litigating and having children don’t mix unless you have a lot (A LOT) of help! She must be pretty awesome!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah she’s crazy awesome! She studied for and passed the bar while being prego with me (during the morning sickness phase no less), so pretty much from then on she was established as the queen of getting stuff done. Haha!
xo
s
Virginia says
I completely agree! Maybe it’s because I’m a law student, but I am filing that tip away for when I am in practice. I was also reading her tip (and these comments) wishing I actually knew her and could pick her brain about being such a successful attorney and all-around awesome person.
Pamela says
This is great! we don’t even have kids and I still think our lives are crazy. I travel almost every week for work, so I get a lot done on the plane! Whether it’s personal stuff or work stuff, it’s my 4-6 hrs that I have little interruptions. I also get a lot of thinking done while exercising. And I have a bad day if I don’t, so that helps. I will never work on Saturdays…that’s for the fun stuff. Thanks for sharing!
ErinY says
I’m totally not an organizing person. When I have a system I can follow it, but getting that system set up, not my strong suit!
Glad for all these tips though. My Mr. recently proposed so I forsee a lot of work for the wedding planning in my future. Good timing, Petersiks!
Kim says
Great post guys!! I think a big tip is to just learn when to say no. I know it can be difficult… I’m a “yes” person at work and recently took on far more than could possibly be accomplished in a week. I ended up feeling overworked, overwhelmed, and like a failure because I just couldn’t do it all. My boss noticed and said “Hey, you’re only human, you have to tell me when there’s too much on your plate.” So as difficult as it can be, know your [human] limits, and don’t feel bad about it.
Petra says
Excellent advices, some do change as you get older, so don’t lose sight of anything!
Maya says
I work from home (at what I used to think was a full-time job0 and have a toddler, and this is definitely a challenge I face too. Great post!! A few things that help me:
1) Making a week-long to-do list instead of a daily one. This helps me be realistic about what I can and need to get done each day.
2) Not putting many things on that to-do list. Just the big, have-to-get-done for work things.
3) Not allowing myself to work on the weekends. Period. If you allow yourself to, you’ll (think you) HAVE to. If you don’t, you’ll find a way not to. If you can’t get everything done in the time you allot yourself, you might do less, and that’s not always a bad thing.
4) I block in a lot of time where I JUST spend time with my daughter. Trying to get work done around her all day long is a recipe for BOTH of us to get really cranky. :)
I struggle with this and feel guilty about not doing as good a job at my work as I used to, but we’re managing and enjoy life… so it’s ok. :) One thing I’ve learned (as an online teacher) is that my students don’t know what’s going on in my head, and that’s a good thing… they don’t actually have to BE my #1 priority for them to think they are and be happy with what I give them. I bet the same applies to blog readers as well. :)
design Thoughts ~Kim says
Love this!!!
rachel says
I found what helped me most in the business day was to spend 10-15 minutes in the morning sorting through email, prioritizing, and making my to-do list for the day. Then I did not look at email until I had completed a task. Turn off notifications, close the inbox if you need to. The point is to not be distracted by your inbox when you are on task. Once I finished my priorities I allowed myself back in the inbox to re-prioritize the next to-do items.
I also found spending the last 10-15 minutes in a day straightening up my desk and getting prepared for the next day extremely helpful. It is so much nicer to walk into a clean office ready to tackle the day.
Personally, I live/die by my calendar and to-do list. I update my Google Task lists once or twice a year literally scheduling out when I need to clean the bathrooms, pay the bills, etc. If it is not on my list, it is not going to happen.
Amanda says
Periodically I make a list on our white board of all the “projects” in which I am engaged–anything that is taking my time, energy and mental space. It is helpful to get it out of my head. Then I ask myself how are these projects serving my values and goals. Once the big things are in place the little to do items seem less significant and easier to do or eliminate.
It is pretty amazing how you all seem to handle the work of a small army and continue to be great parents to Clara.
Melissa says
Great post with great tips! I make lists, try to empty my email, divide tasks, etc but I also keep myself accountable for some things by TELLING someone I am going to do it. It could be my mom or sister over the phone or my live-in boyfriend. Just saying it out loud to my boyfriend helps me to remember, even though it is unlikely he will ask about it or even remember that I told him. My mom and sister and I are always sharing our latest projects so I know one of them will ask about the curtains, upholstery, knitting project, etc in the next few days. They are kind of like my “blog readers” so I always want to have good updates and pictures to share with them!
Samantha Cobos says
Great post! This week I blogged about work/life balance too! My ideas and goals: http://pureinspireddesign.blogspot.com/2013/04/my-pure-inspired-life-not-yet.html
Balance is something we strugle with every day and although I never want to work coorporate again, I sometimes envy the those that work in a office and not at home :)
design Thoughts ~Kim says
I SO resonate with this post. I went from being a full time mama when Liam was teeny, to a working interior designer/part time at home mom after breast feeding was done..in New York, and now, we have moved to Nashville, and I am once again a stay at home mom (of a now 3 yr old)..however, I am also a blogger, an interior designer, and a facilitator of a mamas circle..I feel like I am part time everything but all added together its like 1000 full time jobs…The question is..how do you FULLY commit..to everything you do?
YoungHouseLove says
Such a great question! I don’t think I have the answer yet. I just mainly try to focus on one thing (if I’m parenting Clara, I’m 100% into that activity – if I’m writing a post, I’m completely focused on that, etc). We have learned that it saves us a lot of frustration to do bigger things like projects when Clara’s napping or sleeping (so we don’t feel torn in a million directions).
xo
s
Rebecca | the lil house that could says
Right there with you Kim (hey stranger!) Even though I now work part-time, it’s still a struggle to take care of the baby, the house AND actually write blog posts. I always tell my husband that I feel like I’m part-time everything but full-time nothing.
Courtney @ FamilyGoneHealthy says
I work full-time outside the home and also blog and take care of my two kids. Planning out the meals for the week and well as tasks that need to be done helps for me. I try to get one chore done per day after the girls go to bed. My husband is also really great about helping out with things around the house so we can spend time together as a family in the evenings after work.
jenn aka the picky girl says
I’m a full-time writing center director at my uni, and I also teach courses, tutor in the evenings, freelance edit, and blog at thepickygirl.com.
This past weekend, I edited for six hours on Saturday before tackling a leaky toilet, a project that ended up taking three days…
I used Self Control. I find when I’m stuck at the computer or stuck in an editing conundrum, I start surfing the web. Self Control allows you to blacklist sites like Pinterest, Twitter, etc. so that you can’t access them for a certain amount of time. It really worked for me. Well, that and turning my cell phone off.
But I also love having a place for everything in my home. Before I did (and added to that after one of your posts about useful baskets in your house), stuff just tended to “float” – never landing in its proper place.
Heather says
When I was working as a chef, I had a lot of paper/computer work that was required of me. I KNOW I get distracted if I let myself and never remember to set timers for tasks, so I created a “personal” and a “professional” user on my laptop (which is my main computer anyway). Facebook stays logged in on the personal user even when I was using it for work so I didn’t get caught up doing personal FB at work, and having to type in my personal password to get to it kept me keenly aware that I was on eggshells there–or actively taking a break, and that’s when I remember to set a timer.
Once I did this for work, I found it very useful for schoolwork, too, and wished I’d thought of it earlier than my last semester.
Sheri says
This is something I have been dealing with for over 5 years now. I am a blogger to but instead of 7 posts a week, I do about 250. It is my full time job. I have blogged from a cruise ship, air plane, and beaches – the work never ends. In the beginning I was 20 hours a day – 7 days a week. Seriously for four years, I took one day off (Christmas). Now not so much. I finally got to the point where I said, this is ridiculous and hired some help. I have a full time and part time helper and it has changed my world. While my income is a little less, having a life again is worth it. I now knock off about 3 and spend my afternoons with my family instead of my laptop. Hire help – it will change your world!
Sheri says
Oh yea forgot to mention I am also embarking on a full house rennovation. Not sure how I am going to fit this in….LOL
tori says
Other things that help me:
1. Cooking all dinners for the week on Sunday
2. Getting up early every morning
3. Google calendar (keeping our plans straight)
4. Mint.com (financial manager)
5. Having a reminder to review my annual goals at the beginning of each month
lAURA says
Mint is great!
Things I do…
1. Focus on staying on task until it’s done – rather than taking a “break” for email/web surfing or phone calls
2. color code my email
3. Hire people for things I’m not good at. Using an expert can save a lot of time and money
4. Make oatmeal for the week while washing the dishes/cleaning the kitchen; cook 2 main dishes for the week
5. Template or develop SOPs for repetitive tasks – this also allows for other people to step in and take care of it.
Caroline says
Love this post!! What great advice from everyone :)
I personally LOVE a to-do list. My favorite new apps are Any.Do for to-do lists and Mailbox for my g-mail.
Mailbox really helps me keep my inbox down & managed while Any.do directs my day as much as my calendar does. And if something doesn’t get done, Any.do automatically moves the task to the next day. It also keeps a count of how many things you’ve crossed off which makes you feel like a rockstar at the end of the day!
Definitely take weeeknd time for yourself – I always try to tell myself the same thing. So hard, but so worth it :)
Michelle says
I’m a stay at home mom of kids in elementary school, but getting everyone ready in the morning is still a chore. So I give each child a list of what they have to accomplish before school. This gives them concrete direction (make bed, get dressed, brush teeth) and keeps me from chasing them down and lots of yelling (order lunch, order snack, find library book). They mark off their lists and we leave the house on time with minimal frustration!!
Kimberly @ Turning It Home says
What great advices. Personally, I edit all of my pictures for multiple blog posts at once and write the posts while my baby is nursing and my toddler is napping or coloring. That way, I have ready-to-publish blog posts throughout the week so I can spend more time with my children during the day.
Lisa E says
Sorry, my computer acted up and I accidentally re-submitted. I totally understand. Just don’t overwork yourselves or it will no longer be fun! Clara is totally blessed to have you guys working from home.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Lisa :)
xo
s
April says
Do ya’ll think that it’ll be easier to work during the day once Clara goes to school full time, and will balance out your life a little more?
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, well she won’t be in school full time for about 2 more years and by then we hope to have another kiddo, so I don’t think we’ll have a kid free block of time every day of the week for a looong time. Haha!
xo
s
Mallory says
Hi Sherry and John! I never comment on people’s blogs, but this post reminded me of a balance that I’ve recently tried to overcome – family vs. the internet! I posted about it on my blog (http://chasingourfuture.blogspot.com/2013/03/off-grid.html) a few weeks ago, and must say I’ve made great progress. Congrats to you two on working on your work/life balance. It’s so hard, but I can totally relate, and it feels so good when you accomplish it, even if it’s getting just a little bit of your life back :) Mallory
YoungHouseLove says
Love all the tips everyone! It’s so interesting to read what works for everyone!
xo
s
Valerie says
Fail to plan or plan to fail…
I make lists. It’s a stress reliever and helps me remember what has to get done. I also schedule “me time” otherwise I would never have it and it’s necessary.
I take 10 mins out of my morning for “me time” which usually consists of checking Young House Love, email and FB which makes me more motivated the rest of the day.
Also when I feel “stuck” on a project. I take 5 mins to go for a walk or get a drink of water or socialize to destress and I generally come back and solve whatever seemed so difficult 15 mins earlier and I end up finishing it more motivated/happier then if I didn’t take a break.
Rebecca | the lil house that could says
Yeah I’m totally failing at all of this lately so I have no tips haha.
I used to be super organized with my planner and disciplined, but now that my son is around, wrenches are constantly thrown in my plans. I usually just fly by the seat of my pants :)
Cara says
I LOVE this post. I can’t wait to go back through for all the commenters’ tips, too.
YoungHouseLove says
Amen! I’m hoping to be on the couch tonight re-reading every last comment and taking notes!
xo
s
Laura says
I keep track of my to do lists obsessively and regularly maintain a daily, weekly, and long term list. When it comes to being smart about my writing (I’m a copywriter for a publishing company, so I do a LOT of it) I just walk away when it’s not working for me and inspiration isn’t coming. I know I’ll hit a point later in the day or week when it seems like suddenly everything makes sense and fits together….and then I can crank out in 20 minutes what I could’ve spent hours trying to force.
Michela says
I’m a full-time technical writer, and I totally relate! It’s really difficult to write under pressure and deadlines when what you’re doing requires creativity that doesn’t necessarily adhere to pressure and deadlines. Great tip on walking away and staying relaxed/waiting for it to come to you; I’ll be using that right after lunch : )
danielle honea says
OMGeeee loved the video of you two!! I love the goals you are setting for your family-i’m in the process of doing the same. not for more time per say with family (because I’m doing better at that) BUT to blog more consistently. anyway-so I noticed ya’ll were a bit fried sounding and I don’t blame you-ya’ll work SO hard! I just went to a conference that rocked my world and I wanted to share lara’s website with you. if you go there, click “GOALS” and I challenge you to take her goal setting challenges!!! please look through the site :) i have no affiliation with her site by the way lol Just love her work ethic and I think you will too-ps she’s a parent too and works from home. Enjoy! http://laracasey.com/about/
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds awesome! Thanks for the tip!
xo
s
Jennifer Laura says
Love Lara Casey! She is awesome :)
A says
I know it wasn’t your intention, but this kind of made me tear up. I teach at two different colleges, have a toddler, commute a god-awful amount every week, have quite a bit of freelancing lined up, and we are trying to finish getting our house ready to put on the market. I work all.the.time (I responded to emails while reading this-whoops!). In grad school, I scheduled out every single day in my day planner. Maybe I need to go back to that…and I’m definitely taking the suggestion to never work on Saturdays! Thank you guys for posts like these- I think they make us workaholics feel much less crazy.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw A, I have to say that lists and using my planner really make me feel more in control. It might all be an illusion, but they really seem to help visually jog my mom brain. All the best with everything! :)
xo
s
Melissa C says
Congrats to you for cutting out another blog post to reclaim more of your life! I heard this advice once: If you were to live to be 100 and look back on your life, what do you hope to have accomplished? This helps me clarify my goals and not feel guilty when I want to ditch a project I’ve already committed a lot of time and money toward. Just because you started a project (such as making a quilt, making scrapbooks every year, etc.) doesn’t mean you’re required to continue on that path for the rest of your life. Just cut your losses and start today doing the things that matter to you now.