Take Control of Your Time: Waste Less, Accomplish More (with FREE Printable!)
Have you ever gone through a time where you feel like you can’t get motivated to do anything? I am SO there right now.
I think vacation ruined me. I got so used to lounging by the pool, not having to cook or clean, having my hubby/parents/sister around 24/7 to help me with the Cs…rough life, I know. Ever since we got back from Puerto Rico I feel like I have been wandering around aimlessly, looking for excuses to waste time.
I’ve tried using my time blocking worksheet to keep me motivated, but even though I plan out so many productive things, I find myself perusing Facebook or Pinterest instead.
I get to the end of each day and feel frustrated because I haven’t accomplished much, vow to do better tomorrow, then start the time-wasting process all over again. Tell me I’m not the only one who has been in a rut like this!
It was time to break the news to myself that I’m not on vacation anymore. So I did what I always do when I’m trying to start a new habit or get something done: I make a pretty organizer!
{Click here for FREE time tracking printable!}
[You can also see all 65+ types free printables that we offer on the blog in our free printables library!]
Here’s my plan: for the next 3-5 days {or however long it takes to get out of this funk!}, I’m going to keep track of how I used my time.
If I spent 20 minutes perusing Facebook instead of folding laundry, that gets written down. If I get lost on Instagram for a half an hour (yes, sadly that happens sometimes), I have to hold myself accountable for it.
At the end of each day I’ll make a note of some things I did well and some things I’d like to improve upon the next day. I’m hoping that having to answer to myself at the end of each day and having my time management choices staring me in the face will help me waste less time and get my booty in gear!
Now please don’t think I’m saying it’s never okay to have any down time. I am a huge proponent of margin, and I think we need to give our brains a break every once in a while.
However, I personally have been taking waaaaaaaaay too many “brain breaks” lately, so this is just something I’m doing to keep myself on track.
Anyone else want to take the challenge with me? Print off a few copies of the printable above and get tracking! Let’s get more things done, okay?!
Have you ever gone through a productivity slump? What did you do to get out of it?
I completely get in ruts like this. I also put way too much on my plate sometimes. So due to one or the other I feel like I’m constantly shoving stuff from today’s to do list over to tomorrow’s. Vacation sounds nice though. I leave for mine in four weeks!
Angela @ Time with A & N
So glad I’m not the only one!! Have a blast on your vacation, Angela!
~Abby =)
Its good to hold one another accountable. I have such a time sticking to a hard and fast schedule, but I will give it a try with you!
Let me know how it goes, Rebecca! I am really good at making schedules…sticking to them is another story! 😀 So it is really good for me to get a lot of practice! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
I had the same problem about a month ago. I kept a time log and blogged about it as
the “Time Suck Challenge.” I would probably benefit from keeping track again, though… I definitely have room to grow when it comes to being productive! 😉
I love the addition of the “What Worked Well” and “Ideas for Improvement” section at the bottom. I have to say, I can definitely see the teacher in you coming out with the inclusion of a space for reflection. 🙂
Lol…you can take the girl out of the classroom, but you can’t take the classroom out of the girl, right? 😉 And I am the queen of getting caught up in the “time suck,” so I need to go take your challenge! Hope you are having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Good idea. Food journals work this way, giving you a real eye opener to what you are putting into your body–or into your day for this matter.
That’s so true! It’s great for accountability for sure! Hope you’re having a great week, Jennifer!
~Abby =)
Honestly, this is such a great idea. I am going to print some and give it a try- maybe go a week at a time. I read your original post on time blocking last year and have often thought that it is what I should try doing… help to keep your priorities in the forefront!! I am going to print it and I will report to you how it went- thanks for the printable!! ({PS- missed this because of being on holidays… that is why I am so late to comment:)
Thank you so much, Krista! I hope you guys had a fun time on your vacation– the pictures looked lovely! Hope you have a great week, my friend!
~Abby =)