As moms, we wear a lot of hats. Between running a business, managing a household, and trying to carve out quality time with our families (and maybe even for ourselves), time management becomes more than just a skill, it’s a necessity.
I’ve tried different strategies over the years, but there are three time management systems that have completely transformed the way I run my life and business. The best part? You don’t have to pick just one. You can mix and match to find what works for you!
1. The 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle): Focus on What Truly Matters
The 80/20 rule states that 20% of your tasks bring 80% of your results. When I first learned this, it changed everything. Instead of trying to do it all, I started focusing on the tasks that actually moved the needle.
How to apply it:
- Track your tasks: Write down what you do each day and analyze which activities are truly making an impact.
- Eliminate or delegate: Are you spending hours on things that don’t need to be done by you? Whether it’s housework, admin tasks, or busywork, look for ways to delegate.
- Reassess regularly: Our priorities change with different seasons of life, so revisiting this principle quarterly or even monthly can help keep things aligned.
For me, one of the biggest shifts was outsourcing house cleaning. I used to spend so much time keeping up with household chores when I could have been using that time to focus on my business or be present with my family. Once I let go of having to do it all myself, it freed up so much energy!
2. Time Blocking: Structure for More Intentional Days
Time blocking is another game-changer. Instead of jumping from task to task and feeling scattered, I create blocks of time dedicated to specific tasks—work, family, self-care, etc. This helps me stay focused, avoid multitasking (which, let’s be real, doesn’t actually work), and feel a greater sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
How to apply it:
- Block time for deep work (whether it’s business tasks, content creation, or client work).
- Schedule intentional breaks to avoid burnout.
- Include family time & self-care so your priorities are reflected in your calendar.
Pairing time blocking with the 80/20 rule has been the perfect combo for me. I prioritize the most impactful tasks first, then structure my day with focused time blocks to get them done.
3. The Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritization Made Simple
If you ever feel like everything is urgent, the Eisenhower Matrix will change that. This system helps you categorize tasks into four quadrants:
1️⃣ Urgent & Important – Do these first
2️⃣ Important but Not Urgent – Schedule these
3️⃣ Urgent but Not Important – Delegate these
4️⃣ Not Urgent & Not Important – Eliminate these
How to apply it:
- Write down your to-do list and categorize each task into the quadrants.
- Be honest about urgency—many things feel urgent but aren’t actually pressing.
- Work toward minimizing urgent tasks so you’re not constantly in reactive mode.
At first, it’s easy to put everything in the urgent quadrant, but over time, you’ll learn to shift more tasks into the not urgent category, which means less stress and more intentional action.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to time management. I use a combination of these methods, and it’s taken time to find the right rhythm. The key is to experiment and adjust based on what works for you.
Which one will you try first?
Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear how you’re managing your time and what shifts are helping you the most!
