by Mindy Patee, M.Ed

In a world where you can “have it all”, is there really TIME to have it all? In short, probably not. There’s just not going to be enough time in the day to work, spend time with family, watch the trending television show, read a book, do the household chores, and take a nap. In the world of the industrial athlete, time management is equally important in a day filled with hard work and an ever-present need for work-life balance. As a working mom of boys, I’ve found some tools to help get us closer to finding more time than we had before!

Prioritize!

Sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? Prioritize what’s important and manage our time more effectively! But how do we know what’s important? The Eisenhower Box can assist us with taking a deeper look at things that are urgent/important and not urgent/but important (hint: It’s the not urgent but important things that we typically forget to make time for – think exercise or reading with our kids.)

Once we’ve established where we want to spend our time AND… where we’re wasting our time, we’ll be off to a great start!

A Balancing Act

Hopefully, our list of things that are important includes activities that will refill our buckets! If you’re reading this article, it’s safe to say you’re one of the hardworking individuals we have the pleasure of working alongside, but let’s not forget the importance of activities that fuel our soul. Walking, reading, lifting weights, baseball; whatever it is that gives you rest should be a must on our to-do lists.

Using the aforementioned Eisenhower Box, create a list of the things you absolutely want to make time for (these things included).

A Multitask Mindset

I know, I know… research will tell us we can’t and that we’re really just brain-switching, not multitasking, but hear me out… I love to read, but my current crazy schedule just doesn’t allow time for it. However, you know what does NOT get me motivated? Folding laundry. But what does get me motivated and fills my bucket is listening to an audiobook WHILE I fold laundry, pull weeds, or do some stretches. It’s a win-win, because I feel accomplished and somehow get the same “giving back to myself feeling.” Check! ✅ Work-life balance achieved! I’ll also add that in my own experience, most household chores or physical activities can be done while listening to an audiobook or podcast. And if you’re new to the podcast world, I promise you, there is one you’ll like out there!

Small Steps – Big Grit

Thinking of all of the things we need to do in a week can feel completely overwhelming. But what isn’t overwhelming is one small task. Before we unlock our phones – let’s do one small thing on that list (even if it’s just taking out the trash!)

I don’t claim to be an expert on time management, but I sure do have a lot of things on my list! I know many of your lists are filled just like mine. Have more tips and tricks to share with us? We’d love to hear them!

Mindy Patee, M.Ed || Mindy received her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. The first part of her career was spent teaching middle and high school before transferring to the business world, where she has been one of the owners and operators of Work Right NW since its inception in 2014. Most of her free time is spent chasing her boys around baseball fields near and far, but she also enjoys hiking, reading, and all things outdoors!

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Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips for the industrial athlete from Work Right NW!