Have you ever flopped in bed after a long and busy day and wondered how that day ended without you completing all of your desired tasks? Having too many commitments and an unrealistic “To-Do” list can cause an epic fail for any busy mom.
A time leak, A.K.A. wasted time does not mean we are just sitting on the couch, watching T.V. and eating chocolate Bon Bons. (Do they even make those things anymore? If so, it sounds good right about now!) The time leaks can also be attributed to interruptions, disorganization and just plain old fires to put out.
An easy way to identify time leaks in your schedule is to keep a simple log for a day or so. Jot down how much time you spend on everyday tasks such as:
- Waiting at appointments
- Searching for keys, papers or homework
- Holding on the phone while scheduling appointments
- Making multiple grocery shopping trips
- Re-directing fighting children
- Explaining regular procedures to your elders
- Hunting for functional supplies such as pens or pencils
Once you have a healthy time leak list, you can brainstorm simple solutions to help patch up the leaks and make your days more productive. Check out my example below:
| Time Leak | Time Patch |
| Waiting at appointments | Bring paperwork such as schedules, menu planners or grocery lists with you. |
| Searching for keys, paper or homework | Establish “homes” for these items. A dish or designated cupboard for your keys, easy filing system and baskets for homework can reduce search time. |
| Holding on the phone while scheduling appointments | Use this time to clear out a kitchen cupboard, clip coupons or fold towels |
| Making multiple grocery shopping trips | Create a grocery list for your family as well as your parents. Double check that all needed items landed on the list. Keeping a well-stocked pantry will help eliminate these time gobbling trips. |
| Re-directing fighting children | Have a family meeting and establish rules and consequences for misbehavior. |
| Explaining regular procedures to your elders | Create a list for routines such as medication times, appointment lists or emergency processes. |
| Hunting for functional supplies | Set up an area to store writing utensils. Have older children or your parents test the pens and discard any supplies that do not work. |
This is just a sample list to get you started but as you can see, this is a great way to recognize wasted time and discover ways to stop the leaks. By patching up just a half hour time leak per day, you will gain over seven days worth of time in a year. That is a vacation my friend!
Keep Your Sandwich Simple and feel free to add some more time leaks and patches in the comments below!
Great post on time management! I used to make too many trips to the grocery store each week because of not having a list or menu. I found that having a stocked pantry helps with that also. And it saves money!
Caren with a “C” recently posted..Discover Your Self-Reliance at Home
You are right Caren. A stocked pantry has saved me many a time!
Paula recently posted..Tips For Teenage Drivers
Staying on top of my own computer time is my killer. I used to be so much better before blogs. Blogs kill my time flow.
misssrobin recently posted..Shopping in My Pajamas
I’m terrible with time leaks and that kind of thing! I tend to flit from one thing to another and it cuts down on my efficiency with all of them!
blueviolet @ A Nut in a Nutshell recently posted..The World According to My Notes
Yep, meeee tooo! My time leaks the most when I am putting out individual “fires”!
Paula recently posted..Tips For Teenage Drivers
Actually, if someone would invent a Kiddie Mute Button, I could simultaneously silence the shrieks!
liz recently posted..There’s a Birthday in the House!
Hey Liz – I will take two of those buttons; one for kids and one for the dog! Ha!
Paula recently posted..Tips For Teenage Drivers
What an awesome post, freakin’ time leaks ruin everything. Time to take that time back and do something with it! Thanks for sharing.
Mommyfriend recently posted..Are You a Momzilla? I was.
Yeah, no kidding! We could probably get back a couple weeks!
Paula recently posted..Tips For Teenage Drivers
Great tips. I use my smartphone (iPhone) at appointments and standing in line as well – great chance to catch up on email, Facebook, twitter, read ebooks in my Kindle app, catch up on news headlines, and even make notes to myself. It’s WONDERFUL.
Another thing I’ve learned to do at the end of the day is ask myself, what DID I accomplish today. Even tho 90% of my to do list may not be done, I’ve learned to be blessed with the many things I DID accomplish – even if they were not on my To Do list.
Thanks again for such a great list – I’m off to make a timetable for my senior mom – then off to the Bible book store with my granddaughter. Have a blessed day!
Kaye Swain recently posted..Pretty in Pink Resources For Grandparents and Grandchildren Including Those of Us In The Sandwich Generation
I am in awe of you Kaye. I have been debating on whether to go IPhone or not. You make some good time saving points! I also LOVE the idea of looking at what I did accomplish! That really changes my attitude! Hugs! Paula
Paula recently posted..Tips For Teenage Drivers
I’m always looking for my keys. And they totally have a home, I just seem to never be able to get them there! Hmmm….
Such great tips though!!! I need all of these.
Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma What’s For Dinner
http://www.mawhats4dinner.com
Ma What’s For Dinner recently posted..Boozy Bluesy Blueberry Cobbler
Hmmmm okay then we need some system training on the keys!
Paula recently posted..Tips For Teenage Drivers
[...] a necessity for most of us in the Sandwich Generation, isn't it? I enjoyed reading her article, Patching Up Time Leaks, written just for those of us juggling all the Sandwich Generation issues of caring for elderly parents, while raising children (Paula) or babysitting grandchildren (me), [...]
Thanks Kaye!
Paula recently posted..Preparing for the College Move