You read that title right! And no, I’m not crazy. Let’s face it...we all need more time, but the reality is we all get the same 24 hours each day, 7 days a week. The last week of the month is super crucial and never seems long enough for those of us in sales. Through the craziness of these weeks, I’ve learned to implement a few things to help me “gain” time and not take away from my family.

Meal Prep
1. You’ve heard me talk about this before as far as weekly meal and menu prep go but I’m talking serious plates already fixed and ready to eat in the fridge. It may be 5 bowls of salad, but having something on hand and healthy saves my sanity and my waistline. It also helps that it’s portable.
Using “Free Time”
1. While aimlessly scrolling social media or texting my mom friends while Aubrey is in dance or tumbling would be lots of fun, I try and make every minute count. I have found by having a set activity to do during this time, I increase my productivity and mark one more thing off my list so that when she finishes, back to “momming” I can go. It also means I don’t have to stay up late to complete my task list or have things follow me into the next work day.
Daily Task List
1. I seriously make a list for EVERYTHING! First, I categorize my individual tasks by “Must Do, “Need to Do” and “Want to Do”. I then insert the “Must Do” items in my work slots, followed by the “Need to Do” things. Whatever time I have left I allot to the “Want to Do” tasks. This ensures that my work is complete and my family is taken care of first!
Signing OUT of Social Media
1. Five minutes here. Ten minutes there. The next thing you know, you’ve wasted an entire hour of scrolling for what? Most of the time, nothing. I implemented signing out of my social media accounts during my workdays about 2 months ago and wow, what a game changer!
Working Out Before 8 am
1. As much as I don’t like it, exercising prior to starting my workday actually saves me time. It also ensures that it gets accomplished. Most businesses don’t open until at least 9 am, so if I knock this off my list right after school drop off, I don’t waste that hour “waiting” for places to open. Not to mention, the added energy to start my day is amazing!

Now, none of this is earth shattering or new, but when I do these simple things, I can “add” 5-7 hours into my week. I’m a firm believer that we make time for what we want. So before you say you “don’t have time,” think of how you could MAKE the most of the time you have.

Gaining an Extra Day Each Week