Article Summary:
Feeling overwhelmed and juggling a million tasks? Join Amanda McKinney as she chats with Laura Davis, the Time Management Strategist who helps busy women ditch the “hot mess” feeling! Laura shares her own journey from IVF working mom to time management strategist, and reveals her secret weapon – it’s not magic, it’s a learned skill! Discover how to set clear boundaries, create a flexible structure, and conquer your to-do list with Laura’s science-backed strategies. Learn about batching content, syncing your schedule with your monthly cycle, and still making time for what matters most – your family and friends.
Takeaways:
- Managing your time is a learned skill: Ditch the shame about this not feeling natural
- Structure creates flexibility: Set clear boundaries and create a flexible system that lets you conquer your to-do list without sacrificing your sanity
- Connecting with loved ones: This actually boosts creativity and productivity
Conversation Timeline:
- Introduction and Gratitude
- The Journey to Effective Time Management
- Setting Clear Business Hours for Productivity
- Structure Equals Flexibility: The Key to Effective Time Management
- The Power of Batching Content
- The Productivity Boost of Connecting with Family
- Planning and Scheduling for Work and Family
- Join the In-Person Retreat for Business Planning and Time Management
Time Management 101
Ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day? You’re not alone! As Laura Davis, Time Management Strategist, explains in our latest podcast episode that we need to let go of the shame that managing our time doesn’t come naturally to us. We have to remember that time management is not something we’re born with, it’s learned.
“Managing your time is a learned skill.” – Laura Davis
The struggle is real, especially for busy women juggling careers, families, and personal lives. But what if we told you there’s a way to take back control of your schedule and ditch the constant feeling of being overwhelmed? Laura breaks down the misconceptions around time management, revealing why those early school “to-do lists” often failed us.
Additionally, she encourages us to use tools (like a calendar or project management tool) to our advantage.
“Let your calendar carry the mental load instead of your brain” – Laura Davis
By doing this it frees up mental space allows us to be more connected to both our work and our loved ones. And isn’t that why we started a business in the first place?!
Laura shares her go-to tips for anyone who feels like a hot-mess-express right now.
3 Steps To Increasing Your Time Management Effectiveness
Set Business Hours To Increase Effectiveness Of Time Management
As someone who’s likely juggling so.many.things in your life, it’s important to know that your business deserves your time and attention.
“You cannot build a business in the pockets of time” – Laura Davis
While this is a lie we’ve been taught to believe, it’s just that, a lie. You cannot build a business in pockets of time but instead you need to set clear business hours for yourself. These don’t have to be 8 hours in a row but rather find what works for you. For example “7am – 8am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday”.
Identify The Actions You’ll Take During Those Business Hours For Better Time Management
Once you have your business hours set, it’s important to decide what you’ll do for that specific time frame. This can vary day by day but decide what you’ll do before that timeframe actually arrives.
“If you sit down at 7am to work but don’t know what to do you’ll spend time making the decision rather than taking action and using the time more effectively” – Laura Davis
Build In Time For Family/Friend Connection For Great Time Management Effectiveness
Many of us will plan for work related activities but if you’re building a business to have time and schedule freedom, you need to also include your connection time.
“I’d argue that if you aren’t able to take the time to look at the picture your kid just drew for you that you’re not building a successful business, no matter how much money you’re making.” – Laura Davis
“I’ve found that time that I can be fully present with my friends truly fills my soul with joy. Because I learned this about myself I know make sure it’s on my calendar on a regular basis. At least once a month I’m connecting with a friend for lunch or coffee or happy hour and I actually prioritize this now.” – Amanda McKinney
Takeaway Message/Action
Implement these 3 tips right away. Decide on your business hours, what you’ll do in the next few days and when you’ll connect with family and friends. You’ll see an immediate difference in your energy and productivity!
Until next time, give yourself permission to know that managing your time is a learned skill and grace along the way. I’ll talk to you soon.
About Laura:
Laura Davis helps high achieving working moms ditch the hot mess and level up to a 6 figure CEO regardless of how much money you make. As an industry expert, Laura runs her company, Time Management Academy, alongside her corporate job at a Fortune 100 company while raising her daughters with her husband in St. Augustine, Florida.
Laura’s Links:
- Free Workweek Challenge: https://thelauradavis.com/workweek
- Website: https://thelauradavis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its.laura.davis/