The Key to Learning How to be More Productive

This post is about how to become more productive at home if you’re a working mom.

We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but moms have a superpower when it comes to squeezing the most out of every hour. With that said, sometimes it feels like you’re falling behind because you’re trying to balance your career, chores around the house, and parenting. If you feel like you’re not keeping up with your tasks, don’t fret. You’re not alone. 

This post will emphasize the need to look at productivity differently. Learning how to become more productive at home shouldn’t be about filling all your waking hours but learning HOW to do what matters most efficiently.

1. Overhaul The Way You See Your Priorities 

Time at home is precious, so you want to make the most of it. Following the 80/20 rule is perfect here.

What does that mean? 

Make a list of your tasks, then identify the 20% that will have the biggest impact on your daily life.

Set up your daily/weekly tasks this same way. 

2. Start Time Block for Focus and Efficiency 

Use time blocking and assign times to get tasks done. Start by drafting a 24-hour daily chart and assign times to what needs to get done first (sleep, work, kids' sports, meetings, etc). Then, fill in what else needs to be done (grocery shopping, cleaning, food prep).

One important step is setting a clear end time for your day. For example, I “clock out” around 7:30 on most days and prepare for downtime.

I love writing my plan out on paper, but you can use your phone calendar to track what you need to get done and when.

The most important aspect of time blocking is that you adhere to whatever you put in place. The more you prioritize honoring your plan, the more it will work for you. Remember, you will actually get time back while increasing productivity if you follow these concepts.

{Related Post: The Secrets of How to Stay More Organized}

3. Automate Household Tasks

Each week, I set up a new order on the Target app, add what we need throughout the week, and then hit “order” on Fridays. This saves time by having someone else shop for me; all I need to do is drive to the store and pick it up.

Many stores and apps now offer shopping services — use them to save both time and energy!

Another task you can automate is your bill pay! You can “set and forget” the stress. 

4.Meal Plan and Batch Cook

I don’t meal plan all the time, but when I do, the family and I are better off. By planning what you will eat (or where you will eat), you’re able to focus on other things. 

Here are two easy ways to plan:

1. If you love to cook, double your recipe, so you can have lunch the following day. This will reduce what you have to think about and save time prepping another meal. It’s a simple way to save time and reduce decision fatigue.
2. Use slow cookers, air fryers, or one-pot meals for quick prep. I love the days when I bag the ingredients the day before and toss them in the crockpot before leaving for work. Dinner is ready, and I only have to serve it! It’s amazing.

5. Set Boundaries with Work and Home Life 

With time-blocking in mind, you must set an end time for work. Nowadays, it's very easy to merge your home life and work life because that seems to be expected more and more from many jobs, but you will never be able to fully enjoy your family if you’re spending so much time thinking about work.

Designate a “log off” time when you stop looking at emails, texts, etc. 

How will this make you more productive? Knowing there’s an end time encourages you to stay focused and finish tasks without dragging them out.

This also means that you will be able to focus on your family during family time, and your attention won’t be split. 

6. Don’t Hold off on Small Tasks 

If you can take care of a small task quickly, then just do it! Procrastinating with small tasks lets them take hold of your mental space while also building up physically. 

What does that look like? Grab your coffee mug and take it with you on your trip to the kitchen. Put it in the dishwasher instead of letting it sit in the sink. 

Letting small tasks pile up will only cost you more time later.

7. Take Care of Yourself 

If you want to make real progress, self-care needs to be a priority.

By adding self-care to your time-blocking, you are helping yourself be more productive. When we take the time to maintain our physical and mental health, taking action in other areas becomes so much easier.

One of the best ways to be more productive is prioritizing your sleep! There are many things to do in a day, but ensuring that you sleep gives you the energy and mental clarity needed to get your list done.

{Related Post: A Simplified Guide to Self-Care Practices for Working Mothers}

8. Streamline Morning and Evening Routines 

For the most part, our weekdays run the same every day. Create a well-structured morning and evening routine to reduce chaos. 

Here are some suggestions:

• At Night: plan clothes for the next day, prep lunches, review the next day’s schedule, and do a quick 10-minute tidy-up.
• In the Morning: Stick to a consistent routine with minimal decisions (e.g., have a go-to breakfast, and keep essentials in the same place).

9. Stop with Perfection 

The concept of perfection is appealing, but it doesn’t exist. Let go of the pressure for perfection and focus on celebrating progress.

When you accept that not everything needs to be done perfectly, you allow the opportunity to be more productive since you can get more done.

This also means that you should accept that tasks will not always get done, but by focusing on the ones that truly matter, you’ll find success and peace.

Truth be told, productivity comes down to working smarter, not harder. By incorporating systems and focusing on what really needs to get done with the most impact, you’re already moving the dial toward success.

Small Steps Lead to Big Results 

You don’t need to tackle everything at once. Start with one or two changes and let them become a habit, then move on. By focusing on progress, you can make great strides in being a more productive person.

Learning how to become more productive is the first step. Keep it simple, give yourself grace, and remember: you're already doing more than enough. 

{Related Post: How to Take Care of Yourself as a Working Mom}