In recent months, many people have asked how I manage my time. While I’ve written on time management fairly extensively in the past, it’s been awhile since I’ve done so. And my season of life has changed quite a bit, which has changed how I manage my time and my days. So I figured it was time for another up-to-date series on the subject of time management.
I want to kick things off with one time management mindset that has radically shifted the way I think and live…
"I don't have time."
How often have you heard and said that phrase? I'd wager to guess you've said it a lot. I have, too.
But we all have the time 24 hours in each day. We all get to choose how we spend them.
Yes, you have choice.
Remember my post from earlier this week when I said that my was really full for the next few weeks? But I quickly stated that this is the life I've chosen.
I've chosen to write a book. We've chosen to homeschool our kids. I've chosen to run a blog.
I could have chosen not to take any one (or all!) of these things. Understanding this and owning this has changed my life.
I am not a slave to life. I don't have to stay stuck in a situation if I'm miserable.
I can't tell you how many times someone has said to me, "I wish I could get on a budget." Or, “I wish we could save more money.” Or, “I wish I could find a way to earn money from home.”
All of those things are possible, if you choose to make them a priority.
And that means you're going to have to say "no" to a lot of other things. Because you can’t do it all.
How you spend your 24 hours is up to you.
You can choose to be intentional. You can choose to set small goals and follow through with them. You can choose to seize each day and use it wisely.
Or, you can choose to wander through your days, going around in circles, procrastinating, and wasting time.
The choice is yours.
I wanted to start this series with a very foundational principle that has impacted and shaped the way I view time management. Beginning Tuesday, we’ll be diving in and getting really practical — starting off by talking about how I’ve made choices in what to say “yes” to and what to say “no” to and why.
Do you have any time management questions you’d love for me to try to answer or address in this series? If so, ask away in the comments and I’ll do my best to work in as many answers to your questions as possible as part of this series.
photo credit
Produce and Jams from a Friend’s Garden
Aldi
2 cartons Oil (@$2.49 each) – $4.98
4 packages Blueberries (@$1.29 each) – $5.16
2 packages Frozen Boneless Chicken Breasts (@$5.99 each) – $11.98
1 package Mini Sweet Peppers – $2.29
1 bunch Bananas (@$0.44/lb) – $1.15
2 bags Carrots ($0.69 each) – $1.38
1 bag Limes – $0.79
1 bag Gala Apples – $3.29
1 package Chocolate Chips – $1.59
1 jar Black Pepper – $1.99
Total: $34.60
Farmer’s Mart
4 heads Cauliflower (marked down to $0.99 each)
Total: $3.97
Harris Teeter
1 gallon Milk – $2.97
10 bags of Shredded Cheese (@B2G3 free) – $11.98
5 boxes Kashi Cereal – $1.99 each, used 2 $0.70/1 Kashi printable (doubled), plus $1.00/2 Kashi printable - $6.20 after coupons
3 boxes Annie’s Macaroni and Cheese (@$1.00 each) – $3.00, used 3 $0.35/1 Annie’s printable - $0.30/each after coupons
1 carton So Delicious Almond Milk – $2.50, used $0.55/1 So Delicious printable, plus receive $1.00/1 Ibotta rebate - $0.40 after coupons
8 individual Yoplait yogurts (@$0.37 each) – $2.96, used $0.60/8 Yoplait printable (doubled), plus $0.40/6 Harris Teeter evic, plus $0.40/6 Saving Star - $0.96/8 after coupons and rebate
Total after all sales, coupons and rebates – $23.01
Bakery Outlet
10 packages of assorted Buns (@$0.10 each!! They expire August 30th, so I will freeze most of them)
Total: $1.00
Weekly Total after all Sales and Coupons: $62.58
Weekly Menu Plan
Breakfasts
Oatmeal x 2, Veggie Omelettes, Scrambled Eggs with Toast/Jam, Cereal x 2, Smoothies
Lunches
PB&J/Carrots/Bananas, Tuna fish Sandwiches/Pepper slices/Apples, Leftovers x 3, Baked Potatoes with Cheese/Oranges, Build-Your-Own Salad Bar/Roasted Cauliflower
Dinners
Taco Salad, Steamed Cauliflower
Grilled Hobo Packets, Easy Whole Wheat Bread, Blueberries
Slow-Cooker Barbecue Sandwiches, Fresh Veggie Tray, Homemade Applesauce
Baked Macaroni and Cheese (meatless night), Roasted Cauliflower, Tossed Salad
Homemade Pizza, Steamed Broccoli
Dinner at a Friend’s House – I am bringing Ultimate Double Chocolate Brownies and Ice Cream
Classic Grilled Chicken, Cucumber and Tomato Salad, leftover Macaroni and Cheese, Blueberries
