November 7, 2017

Mirsoslava Duma On Time Management

Last month, I read an interview with Miroslava Duma and in it, she said that one thing that really resonated with me. Out of the entire interview, it’s this one quote that i keep replaying in my head, over and over.

“I believe that the more you do the more you can manage,” says Mira. “The most important thing is planning and prioritization: I always have my top five priorities and say no to everything that doesn’t get me closer to one of them.”

By nature, I’m not the most organized person and one thing I struggle most with is time management. Even before having Nate, this was one of my biggest flaws and now, it’s significantly more challenging. I often find myself getting stressed over my growing to-do list and wondering how mothers of 2+ do it. Seriously, how?

After reading that simple quote, I’ve been living by that motto and it’s helped me a lot. Rather than stressing over the 20+ things I need to do: make a doctors appointment, answer all of my DMs, bring my clothes to the tailor, shoot and plan out the projects I have pending, organize a thanksgiving dinner, etc… – I ask myself “okay, which five tasks take priority?” and I work from top down. It sounds so simple, but it’s been a tremendous help in closing out some of my “open brain tabs.” There are days where I only get to finish two things and on the next day, I move on to the next. It’s also helped me in actually finishing things rather than starting five and not finishing any.

Have any of you found any helpful tips that have worked for you? If so, please share!

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15 comments

  • Heather Reed

    I know that quote is true. I have 7 kids and watched dozens of other women do the same. We all say almost that exact quote. It’s hard to explain to people unless you do it yourself. I know 7 kids, work, etc sounds daunting, but if you prioritize those top 5 things, it really does all shake out. Only 1 kid is harder that 4, IMO because you are his playmate, entertainment and mom all rolled into one. I’ve got less stress with 7 than I had with 3.
    Here’s another way to look at it. People who are at the bottom of the work ladder aren’t paid as much because they can’t handle as much. But the better you get, the more responsibilities your boss gives you. It’s not as obvious as a new baby, but the effect is the same.
    Purposely looking at your life like this is incredibly empowering!

    • Francine

      Wow, Heather, what an amazing perspective, thank you. Now…how do I prioritize my mega list into top 5?

      7 kids?? Amazing. I have 3 high-energy boys and I’m not gonna lie…it’s not easy!

      • Helena

        Wow Heather! I was thinking the same exact thing as Francine. 7 kids – incredible!Thank you so much for sharing!

  • Naty Diaw

    Thank you so much for sharing!
    xx
    https://www.closettostreet.com/

  • KIKI_DK PEARLA

    Thank you for sharing this, Helena! You always have very interesting topics. I have a full time job as a HR Professional. I am also running a side business, and a 6-year old grade one to look after! One thing I have learnt is to block some time during the day for just one task. Like this hour, I will just play with my daughter. This hour, I will just focus on my social media communications. This hour, I will just take photos…..I guess the same philosophy applies here – try to focus one thing at a time, instead of trying to multitask but end up being non-productive at all.

    I do like the approaching of prioritization. In the end, we, human beings, just cannot do EVERYTHING…

  • Tori

    I love this post, and it came at such a good time! With our first baby on the way, I’ve been fretting about how I’m going to do it all!! Adopting this motto makes it seem so simple. Thanks for sharing.

  • Magda

    Great tips, thanks for sharing!

    http://www.gloryofthesnow.com

  • Mikey

    Love this message! Informational and very relatable to alot of women out there. Thanks for sharing x
    https://www.mrporter.com/en-us/?spinlogo=1

  • Rajinder

    Hey ,
    really nice post! Thanks for sharing this it… I have one more tip to manage time properly…
    As a blogger, I have to write a lot of content, also which writing i found many distraction like notification of an email… That’s why I use to write for 3 hour continuously and take 10 minute break to response emails!

    That’s my tip… hope you will like it! Recently i write a post on Christmas: http://www.geekguruji.com/minute-to-win-it-christmas-games-xmas-party-ideas/

  • Heather

    That is a great motto! I’m terrible at setting unreasonable expectations for myself and then stressing out, so I make a list every night before I go to bed prioritizing the next day’s tasks. I break it down into “Do or die”, “Should do”, and “Would like to do”. If all I end up accomplishing is the ‘Do or die’ section I still feel like I got the important stuff accomplished!

  • Stapha Charleme

    Love that quote! it’s so important to learn to just say “NO!”

  • Meghan

    This is such a great post. Love the idea of focusing on a couple things to get done rather then stressing about everything that you have to do. Such a great idea because then you actually get some things done. This is something that I struggle with. I need to start focusing on getting little things done and eventually if you keep it up, you will get the big things done. So great. Love this so much.
    xo, Meghan | http://tanlinesanddaisies.com/

  • Kristjaana

    What a great advice! And I’ve always looked at Mira as a ‘wonder woman’ for managing so many businesses and having 3 kids, while on most days I have trouble getting everything done with only 1 child and 1 business.
    But it really is as simple as prioritising! Going to try this tip definitely <3

    x Kristjaana
    http://www.kristjaana.com

  • Simply Sory

    Es cierto, cuando eres madre tienes que ser muy planificadora y darle importancia a lo que de verdad la tiene.

    http://www.simplysory.com/

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