Time is an often overlooked gift, we are each given 24 hours a day, yet how we spend these hours is the most significant determinant to how successful we are in both our careers and in our ability to parent. It can be hard to juggle your role as a mother with the demands of an aspirational career, and sometimes we lose sight of what’s truly important in life.

If you were to live to be 100 years old, looking back at your life, chances are you won’t reminisce about the hours spent in the office; it will be the fond memories you have of family time… the time spent interacting with your children. The priceless moments spent on the playground, in an area described in a PD Play Area, on the beach, in the woods, or at their fun-filled birthday parties.

However, while we often know what’s important, we struggle to find the time to fit those things into our lives, and therefore, we often live in a perpetual state of frustration and overwhelm.

We all know that time is the most valuable and scarce resource we have; so this article looks at some basic ways to free up more of your time in order to focus on what matters most.

1. USE LISTS: TO HELP FIND MORE TIME FOR FAMILY

The world’s most productive people use lists for almost everything, and they stay motivated throughout the day by ticking off key tasks. When you work with a list, you’re able to stay focused on and driven by what actually needs to be done, rather than the million and one seemingly urgent distractions that come up throughout the working day.

If you prefer technology, there are a number of apps such as Wunderlist that will help you keep track of your tasks and create dynamic lists to ensure you stay focused. However, the old-fashioned approach, a piece of paper and a pen; can sometimes be more effective as there’s a certain kinesthetic feel-good factor to physically ticking something off a list rather than pressing a button on a mobile phone.

The paper-based list is a very visual and tangible way to see your progress throughout the day, week or month and keeping sight of all the things that you have accomplished, is a great way to build self-esteem. The more you get done, the more you tend to feel you can get done.

There’s power in progress, and each time you tick something off your list, comes a physiological rewarded with an endorphin rush that fuels motivation.

2. WORK REMOTELY: TO HELP FIND MORE TIME FOR FAMILY

Today, many people are able to enjoy the benefits of a more flexible working life where they can either work from home or work hours tailored to their lifestyle. Flexibility of this nature is particularly important for all parents, especially single parents, as it can help minimize childcare costs. Flexible working hours, or remote working options, are great options for those struggling to juggle a career with parenthood.

3. OUTSOURCE: TO HELP FIND MORE TIME FOR FAMILY

Finally, outsource as many things as you possibly can. Take cleaning for instance, while you might not feel cleaning takes all that much time, it mounts up over the space of a month, and this time could be much better spent; either working, spending more quality time with your family or enjoying yourself.

What tips do you have to share?

*Collaborative post