This one can be difficult for those of us who work and have a business. There was a point in time where I was running myself ragged. Either I was making a lot of money and running my health into the ground, or I was all about my health and fitness and my business was suffering. I spent a lot of time out of balance. To be honest, I don’t think we ever find balance, but we find the sweet spot that allows us to do most of what we want effectively.
I use a block method to get things done. This allows you to spend concentrated periods of time on one type of activity so you can be more effective. Typically, people try to do 2 or 3 different tasks at one time like blogging, admin, social media posts. There is usually a different program, set up and mindset for each of these tasks and it takes a while for us to shift gears, which can waste time.
So what I do is, block my time for 90 minute to 2 hour blocks and focus on one type of activity. I can usually knock out 2-3 blog posts or clear out my emails in that time. A tasks gets completed and it feels good, rather than spending all of the time bouncing from activity to activity and feeling like nothing got accomplished at the end of the day.
How to Set up Your Schedule:
1. List all the activities that need to be done:
Personal activities:
Work (don’t forget to factor in your commute)
Work out (20 minutes is a good starting point)
Sleep (aim for 7-8 hours)
Don’t forget date night! (if applicable)
Business activities:
Admin (quick books, bills, budget, mail, email, set up coaching schedule)
Blog/vlog/podcast
Clients & consults
Social media posts
Social media engagement (try to limit to 20-30 minutes a couple of times a day so you don’t get sucked into the black hole)
2. Look for opportunities to be productive and create a schedule that works for you.
Things to consider: Are you a morning person? Where will you put your workouts? Do you like to work before work? Long commutes: can you be productive during that time? Record blog posts for later or listen to podcasts/books that might help you stay calm in traffic and learn something to further your business? There is always flexibility here. Just think about your goals, your personality and what’s important to you.
3. Spend a few minutes planning for the next day so you can hit the ground running when it’s time.
Here’s an example of what it might look like:
Monday
8-6 Work (includes commute)
*30 minute walk/run/workout DVD before leaving work or immediately upon arrival home
630-930 Business Activity*
1030-630 Sleep
*business activity time can include 30 minutes of social media engagement (set a timer!!!)
Tuesday
8-530 Work (includes commute)
6-9 Business Activity
1030-630 Sleep
Wednesday
8-6 Work (includes commute)
*30 minute walk/run/DVD before leaving work or immediately upon arrival home
630-930 Business Activity
1030-630 Sleep
Thursday
8-530 Work (includes commute)
6-9 Business Activity
9-10 Watch Scandal
1030-630 Sleep
Friday
8-530 Work (includes commute)
6-9 Business Activity
1030-630 Sleep
Saturday
I like to start with a longer workout.
It is also a great day to work on larger projects and pull pieces of the puzzle together.
Sunday
I like to rest and clean house Sunday morning and work on my business in the late afternoon.
That is how I do it. I’d love to hear what systems you all have for getting everything done and keeping your sanity.