Time management is the number one thing that I struggle with. If you were to speak to anyone who knows me well, they’d tell you that I’m usually extremely organized and on top of things (I live by to-do lists and spreadsheets). But, since I started blogging, I always feel like I’m playing catch-up, rather than being ahead of the game like I used to be. Not that I’m blaming blogging; I think it’s just a natural by-product of introducing a very time-consuming thing into my life. Styling and shooting different looks, sorting through and editing photos, composing blog posts, planning Instagram posts and captioning photos, managing emails, and the sheer amount of energy that is needed in order to constantly create and produce – it’s a lot to keep up with! Then there is the whole social aspect to social media – going out to events, networking, spending time with other bloggers, and engaging with people on social media. And because I have a very demanding full-time job, the only time I have to do all of these things is during my “free time” (i.e. any time that is not spent at the office).
People often ask me, “How do you find the time?”, and my response is always, “I don’t know!” The truth is that I really don’t know, and I’m kind of figuring things out as I go along, taking things one step at a time without planning for the bigger picture. Taking a hard look at my life over the last year, my blogging has blossomed and I’m truly happy with my progress. But at the same time, many things have been relegated to the back burner, including my household duties, grocery shopping and cooking, exercising regularly, spending time with my friends and family, and wedding planning. The old me would have already had my entire wedding planned by now and that really bugs me!
I’ve come to accept that I have too many things on my plate and I’m going to have to learn to say “no”. I can’t do everything, and if I try to, I won’t be truly successful at anything. It’s time to start focusing on the things that are most important to me and letting go of some things that aren’t. This doesn’t mean that I’m going to stop blogging – quite the opposite, I want to focus on my blog as much as possible. But, I need to take a stand and start reclaiming my time. Time is finite, and I will use my time the way I need to. I hope to use the next few months to get organized and be as productive as I can possibly be, so that I can once again get on top of things and so I don’t look back on the year and think “where did the time go?”
Shop the Look
Sweater: Forever 21 (purchase here)
Skirt: Zara (similar, similar)
Shoes: Zara (purchase here, similar, similar, similar)
Jacket: Old (similar, similar)
Do you guys have the same problem with time management? What are some strategies you recommend for managing your time?
I totally relate to the post. It was so tough for me few months back managing a day job and blog. But now I have taken time off from my job and getting into blogging full time. You can never have enough time during the initial years of blogging. Thanks for sharing the post. Do drop by my blog as well : http://styleovercoffee.com 🙂
Thanks for your comment, Sarmistha! How long did you blog before you were able to move into blogging full-time? You’re right that there is never enough time, and the first few years I’ve heard from everyone are very difficult. I’ll most certainly check out your blog! xoxo
Girl, I have such problems with time management! It doesn’t seem to matter what I’m doing, but I feel like I never have enough time for any one thing. Then again, like you, I have a hard time saying “no,” so maybe getting better at that will help!
Jackie
Something About That
I totally agree, Jackie! Also, the energy needed to do everything! The only way I’m going to be able to do the most important things is to cut back on some things and offload other things. My next post is going to address two important changes, so stay tuned!
Most people have this problem including myself. What i have learn delegate task help to get you organized if you work in a team
Thanks for your insight, Dami! You’re right about the need to delegate. But sometimes I can’t even get organized enough to get in a position to delegate. I’m still working on that, though! Thanks for reading!
Love this post and your outfit! Those shoes! 👌🏻
Isn’t it funny how we always find time for the things we love? Blogging is hard work and a full time job – I commend you for working 2 jobs! I feel like there is never enough time in a day and it gets worse with age! The only way I’ve been able to time-manage is to get up earlier, cut the fat in my life and make sacrifices in the name of pursuing the things that matter most.
Thanks for reading, Kristen! I agree, it does seem to get worse with age. I can only imagine what it would be like with kids! Sounds like you have a pretty sound way of being efficient, and I couldn’t agree more with your approach 🙂