Efficiency Redefined: How Parenthood Revolutionized My Time Management

about me business wellbeing Aug 20, 2023

2 Minute Read

Before embarking on my journey as a parent, I'll be candid – managing my time effectively was not my forte. The entrance of a child into my life brought about a multitude of changes, especially in terms of scheduling. As a parent, anticipating needs and orchestrating plans became a necessity. This experience has not only transformed my parenting style but has also taught me invaluable lessons about time management, especially when it comes to balancing work, self-care, family and friends. So, let's delve into what parenting taught me about prioritizing tasks and optimizing my time.

In the days before parenthood, I used to spend over two hours crafting the perfect YouTube thumbnail, or made 16 different templates for ONE Instagram post...that I never even ended up using. It's almost comical now, reflecting on the excessive time I allocated to trivial tasks. A swift assessment of what was really going on revealed that much of my time was squandered on tasks that held minimal significance. This was definitely NOT leading me to the life I desired, and so began my rapid adaptation to the art of time-management. Considering the digital nature of my business, I found myself drastically adjusting my time and energy management strategies. Not only that, but how I defined my identity on a larger scale, started to shift.

My newfound perspective wasn't just about recognizing the amount of time invested in tasks, but also about understanding when to undertake them. I really honed the skill of prioritizing tasks to align with available time slots. For example, doing my 21-minute breathwork practice right before bed, actually led my body to regenerate on a much deeper level with less sleep. I started to wake up earlier and stopped needing an afternoon nap after being awake with our baby in the night; meaning I had more time and energy for other things. This revelation catalyzed a remarkable transformation!

In no time, I not only regained my pre-parenting productivity levels but surpassed them.

The key takeaway: timing plays a pivotal role in optimizing productivity.

Why does this approach work? When tasks are tackled at the right juncture, the efforts invested yield maximal results. For instance, commencing a project early allows ample room for thoroughness and attention to detail. Conversely, last-minute rushes often compromise the quality of output. Personal anecdotes from my pre-parenting days illustrate this point – I often fell into the trap of procrastination, doing things last minute; resulting in unfinished projects or my work not reflecting my truest capabilities. However, post-parenting, discipline became my ally.

Adequate time allocation for planning, execution, and completion became a non-negotiable practice.

This pivotal lesson wasn't a revelation out of thin air. My partner played a crucial role in my newfound approach. One of the strategies he taught me that shaped my task prioritization was the adoption of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. Although labeled as a 'CRM,' this concept isn't limited to its technological connotation. In simple terms, it involves organizing tasks in a visually accessible manner, enabling a direct comparison of importance to be brought to light. This practice aids in deciphering the tasks that demand immediate attention and hence, delegating others to a later time. Talk about minimizing the cognitive load!

In essence, parenthood has been the greatest conduit for transformative change in my time management philosophy. The simple yet powerful lesson of timing has reshaped my professional landscape, allowing me to grow more deeply as a human being and as a professional. As I continue to coach, speak, and connect internationally, the lessons learned from parenthood remain an integral part of everything I do, fostering deep connections and meaningful growth within my community.

Stay Inspired,