Sometimes my days are full of chaos and the days seem to pass by so quickly. Before I had kids I would spontaneously wake up as I pleased and go where I wanted on a whim. Now I have to plan events at least a month in advance.
My calendar is filled up quick from PTA meetings to IEP meetings and blogging I have a crazy schedule. So how do I do it all? Secretly, it never truly ends and I am always finishing up something. But it is important to organize your days, weeks, and months to stay on track. Using a planner/organizer can help you be efficient.
Here are a few tips on how I set my days and organize my busy life with 4 kids.
Plan Ahead
Now that I have 4 kids doing things at the last minute can be challenging. Events need to be planned ahead to avoid any issues in our household. I prefer to plan things in advance so that I don’t overbook. I truly dislike canceling on people, if I say I am going to be there (unless there are unforeseen circumstances that I cannot prevent) I will be there.
Planning ahead also keeps my family on track as well. I like to use a wall calendar so my kids and husband can easily see what’s happening in the weeks to come. It’s super effective.
Set Goals
People ask me random questions, “why are goals so important for you if you’re a stay at home mom”. Honestly it’s very important for my personal growth. I am crazy in love with my 4 babies, but I have to do somethings for myself as well. These goals don’t have to be career oriented. It can be anything from a personal goal like weight/diet, or putting a mani/pedi in the calendar.
Blogging has become a major part of my life. My website is my other baby that I must nourish and care for not only to monetize but because my passion is to help as many moms as I can. I have to set deadlines for posts and network with other bloggers. This process can be time consuming so I try to set dates when I can work while I have time (like when the kids are at school and my littles are napping).
Set a daily routine…And stick to it!
I understand consistency is hard (and boring). But keeping the routine can be essential to your daily success. I have 4 kids, 2 of them are in school all day and 2 are at home with me. My oldest son has ASD and keeping a routine is crucial for him. This honestly has helped me in so many ways to stay organized. So how do you start? First things first…COFFEE! Right, coffee definitely helps get us through the monotonous routine.
- Set times to do things- break down the chores for each day rather than breaking your neck to clean every day.
- Do things the night before- everything from making lunches to ironing clothes can be done at night so you don’t waste your day doing them in the morning.
- Try to schedule things while the kiddos are at school- this helps you get things done while they are gone so when they come home you can focus on them.
- Make your bed every morning- I’m telling you; this does something to my confidence in the morning. I feel like a new person with a freshly made bed
- Enjoy the littles (if you have them at home)- take the time to play, imagine, color and paint with your babies. Time goes so fast and these are the things they will remember forever.
These are just a few ideas to help you set a successful day. You can add things as you go because there are things that happen throughout the day that aren’t on the list obviously. But you get the idea.
How to choose a planner that’s right for you
There are so many planners out there. Bullet journaling has become the newest fad and there are many competitors. One Love Paper Co has a great planner. I recently received mine for the 2019 year and I am super excited about it.
You should chose a planner that meets your needs and expectation. What do you hope to accomplish for the year? Make sure you find one that you can’t leave home without.
Why this planner? Well one of the things that I love is that it was created by a mom! That’s right a mom, she created this with us in mind, how amazing is that? It’s designed motivate you to be the best you. Each month tab comes with a section to set goals and inspire you to really think ahead with a positive mindset. And honestly that’s what it’s all about.
“The Inspired Year Planner came to fruition as I thought through my goal-setting process that year. I wanted to create a planner that, on a daily basis, helped women and parents feel uplifted, purposeful, and creative”.
Anything that empowers moms and women-I’m all in. I honestly believe that this planner does just that. If you’re in search for a planner be sure to check out these awesome products.
As an incentive for checking them out I am providing my unique link for your ordering needs. I am also hosting a giveaway to win a free planner. Please follow my Facebook page for updates and how to enter. I am very excited for this opportunity.
Thanks for stopping in and I hope that some of these tips help you stay successful at home.