Are you accomplishing you goals on a daily basis? Do you even set goals on a daily basis? I posted about time management about a year ago, and I still don't have it any better together. How can somebody that can organize everything so well, be so disorganized with time. I know I can blame part of it on being dyslexic(you'd be suprised), but the reality is, I just don't get the time thing. And I sure don't want to admit that I'm getting older and slowing down. In fact I will only allow about 1/10th of 1% of that thought. How do you get out from underneath the time thing. I'm sure 24 hours is all that's necessary. Anybody understand what I mean. (Maybe you can explain it to me)

And of course, there's the time I spend on here, which I have been better about lately. But that's another thread:~}

-- Cindy (SE In) (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), February 07, 2001

Answers

There was an article in the Nov/Dec 1999 issue, "Time on the Homestead, how to save it, spend it and make more". I thought it was pretty good.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), February 07, 2001.

Cindy, I know what it's like. I never seem to get things done when I think they should be done.Some days I don't even get the clothes washed!I would love to hear how people do it! I take care of my mom and spend lots of time doing for her. But I used to have a full time job, 3 children (all going in different directions) I helped at their school, coached softball, helped with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and was the "taxi" for the swim team. And was gone almost every week end to a swim meet or ball game!Now I am lucky if I get the dishes done, animals fed, and the clothes washed and hung out!!!HELP

-- Debbie T in N.C. (rdtyner@mindspring.com), February 07, 2001.

Not sayin' that everything always gets done.....but this has worked for me......I set small goals during the day instead of huge ones. For example, today I am making curtains for our bedroom. I made one before lunch break, will do one before dinner, and one before bedtime. Walla, new curtains. Then with the laundry, I don't like laundry because I have to trudge outside to the workshop to do it!, I do one load before lunch and one load in the afternoon. I can get by on one load a day, so if I miss a day no big deal. If I try to play catch up all in one day it just bums me out and it is too overwhelming. I am a little dyslexic too on some things. I have trouble with right and left, so have to check to see if I have turned things off! If I plan 1 fun thing to do each day along with the drudgery stuff I am happier. Like today, after I finish that 2nd curtain I am going to plant some more tomato seeds! YIPPY! I also like to check e-mail between chores. I think to myself that if I can do such and such I will go take a coffee break and read e-mails. This is the way my day has gone so far. Got up and got the kids breakfast then started on school. Checked e-mail,put a load of laundry in, then went out and clipped 32 sets of chicken's wings to keep them from getting over the fence(big chicken yard at least 75X50 or so.), then came in and de-feathered myself, made a curtain, fixed lunch(leftovers, don't applaud heehee),started another load of laundry, then worked on grading papers and answered school questions, came up here and checked e-mail and now I am going to go make another curtain and start the chicken for dinner tonight. While the kids clean up dinner dishes I will make another curtain. fold laundry, and chat with my hubby! shew....That is the basic plan....If it doesn't work like that for the rest of the day....I plan to punt! HaHa! Always give yourself little fun breaks during the day and a nice pat on your own back....we do a lot for our families!

-- Nan (davidl41@ipa.net), February 07, 2001.

What a timely topic, something we've recently been discussing here at our farm. We'll be starting the garden season off with the garden clean-up that we didn't finish in the fall, and building the garden shed we meant to have done before winter, and finishing the caulking on the house, and the interior construction that we didn't get materials for before the trailer got snowed in, and the list goes on. I seem to have more of a problem with unfinished and "keep meaning to get to" projects than my husband does, which is maybe a good balance although sometimes it doesn't seem to be. On a daily basis, we seem to always get the cooking, cleaning, laundry, animal chores, shovelling and wood hauling done. We also prioritize that each of us spend time with our 3 year old boy every day. After this there's usually not much time or energy for special projects or additional work, which is the reason our "to do" list is so big. We try to do the best we can with this by chipping away at that list a little at a time, even though it seems to grow faster than we can chip. I always tell my husband anything he can get done before it goes on the list is good for both of us. We try to help each other out by making sure we each get some time for our own interests like bread baking, wine making, reading, etc, however infrequent these are, they help. The thing we seem to have a hard time doing is taking a day off in the face of all that's to be done around here. This summer I think we're just going to force ourselves to do that by scheduling one day off every week. One suggestion I have is to keep a monthly or seasonal project list. It helps us to look at this list and talk about what's a priority and what's not. It also helps to not look at the list when you're feeling overwhelmed by it all.

-- Rose Marie Wild (wintersongfarm@yahoo.com), February 07, 2001.

I'm known for being pretty organized. My daughter says it is annoying.I think routine is key. I have certain things I do everyday at the same time. So the first step would be to figure out the daily things and when is the best time to do them each day. Then use the open times to accomplish the things that don't happen daily. I make a list the night before of the things I want to accomplish the next day only expecting to complete about half of them. If I cross off more then great but I try to accomplish at least half. Now this is where you have to be reasonable with yourself. Sometimes people I have known think they aren't organized but it's just that their expectation of themselves is too high. I also like Nan make breaks between projects to check email, look at C-side forum, or some fun thing to do. We homeschool and seem to get most other things done within reason this way. The items on the list that don't get done get moved to the next day's list. Write your daily routine out on paper for reference until it becomes habit.

-- Denise (jphammock@msn.com), February 07, 2001.

I am not an organized person...not by a long stretch. However I can organize THINGS very well. I couldn't keep a schedule...just doesn't happen. Something that has helped me more than anything else is to get rid of some things in my life. I stopped joining all kinds of organizations/clubs...almost all of that sort of thing take a bigger time commitment than you would think. I started really thinking about how expensive gas is and limited myself to the number of trips I could make. Running to the store is a great waster of time. I also simplified my home. Have yourself a huge garage sale(be ruthless...get rid of tons of stuff). My rule of thumb is if it is something that I don't use at least once a year(like my pressure cooker is used one season a year)it is gone. I had to get over the mentality "but it is too nice to get rid of". The more things you have the more you have to clean! I've also threatened my children with an unspecified but horrible fate if I find one more article of clothing in the dirty clothes that I know darn good and well that they didn't wear or only wore for a few minutes. Train your children...it will make less work on you. Teach them to pull off shoes, hang up towels, rinse dishes before putting in the sink, etc. Yes you will be pulling your hair out for about a month but then your work will be much easier.

All of this has freed up enough of my time that even when I'm flying off in a dozen different directions I get a lot more accomplished.

-- Amanda in Mo (aseley@townsqr.com), February 07, 2001.

Can anyone name things that I could do at the Doctor's offices--My mom has at least to appointments a week every week and I spend way too much time wishing I were at home doing things. Some of the things I do at the Doctor' offices are: write cards(b'day, holiday, thank you's and thinking of you), I balance the ck book. I make lists for things to do and shopping lists, and go through the seed catologs and read up on things I want to try or do! I am at my wits ends. It is very time consuming and I am the type that want to be doing SOMETHING! At Chriostmas I made little ornaments and wrote my cards. I have thought of taking my little quilt squares to work on but don't want to haul them all around!!!Thanks for any help.

-- Debbie T in N.C. (rdtyner@mindspring.com), February 07, 2001.

Well, those curtains are already finished and the laundry is done...so I get to play with you guys again. They came out really cute by the way.....denim and prairie points across the bottoms! Anyway....I thought of something else. Some people are just different. I have a darling friend who is late to everything because she is slow as Moses! She has to have everything just so and she drives herself crazy! She folds her towels a certain way,,,etc... I tried to help her once and she kept taking the towels out of my hands. I have trained my kids to help me as much as possible. Today my daughter made the bread for dinner tonight. The boys did all of the animal chores except for clipping the chickens wings. I know that is not possible for everyone, because not everyone has kids at home. But if you don't have kids at home you don't have near the laundry and cooking either!HAHA! The children help me fold clothes. If the towels get put away and they are in thirds and not fourths...so what! I bet if we stepped back and wrote down everything that we actually do it would be a long list. I could add to the above list...help daughter understand bread directions(she's 10), worm the puppies, and dust the bedroom before I put up the new curtains. I don't believe in too many lists. Just another thing to do, but some of the major things are good to write down. I take one day off a week! Sunday is for me and the family to worship and relax!

-- Nan (davidl41@ipa.net), February 07, 2001.

Well I guess I'll bug ya a little. My time is valuable as everybody else's is. I make a schedule of what has to be done and start on it. Sometimes I don't get started when I planned. I may be tard after workin day before or sompthang. In that case, I rest. If I do elect to work and do things-I work until I'm tard again and then quit. NO wonder Lil Dumplin is gitt'n used to me not finish'n what I have planned. I figger, oh well, they'rs always tomorry and if not then it don't matter too much. I've been rest'n this afternoon and thank'n bout gitt'n my garden seeds ordered. Map'n it out in my ole haid jest whar ta put the maters, green beans, Ky.Wonders and Illini Extra Sweet and ONIIONS. S'pose I'll have to hoe round Lil Dumplins dumb sunflowers again. "OH the little birdies need to eat this winter"!!! Funny, I never heard'm ask for sunflower seeds! Matt.24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), February 07, 2001.

I really don't get as much done as I used to, but I still do certain chores on certain days. I also write down what I have to do daily on a weekly basis. I also plan my meals out a week at a time. And, a reward or a break is nice, when the work is done. Mine is going on- line for a bit and researching. As the commercial said "Just do it!"

-- Ardie from WI (a6203@hotmail.com), February 07, 2001.

I guess i just dont get it. the reason i like the homestead live style is so i dont have to get my shorts tied in a knot. whats the rush? i wash once a week do the dishes and make the bed everday. if i had critters id do the to. but the rest for one thing why doe everone want to raise there own plants? i quit that years ago and sure my neighbor has tomatoes two week before but im not raising them to sell so what? slow down folks you might have a heart attack. Bob se.ks.

-- Bobco (bobco@hit.net), February 07, 2001.

Cindy

Basic rule of thumb. Priortize the things to get done.

Do the first thing on your list. Don't stop till its done. My wife has a hard time with this one. Especially if the phone starts ringing. :-)

My granddad often quoted a old saying "Do the thing that has to be done...When it should be done..Whether you like it or not"

Good advice that I sometimes take. :o)

-- Kenneth in N.C. (wizardsplace13@hotmail.com), February 07, 2001.

I don't know if I accomplish all my goals each day but I do a few things that seem to help me get more done.

First, I do make a realistic list of things to do today. I try not to pile it up with big projects, just one and a few small ones.

Secondly, I found it very helpful to STOP answering the phone when I'm in the middle of something. After starting this I realized I was getting more house stuff done. I also don't answer the phone after 5pm becuase that's when all the telemarketers call. I just turn up the volume on my answering machine so I can screen calls.

I try to use one day a week to run errands in town, unless its an emergency, which most things are not. Some of my friends talk about going to town 3, 4, 5 times a day! And that's before they pick the kids up from school.

If we're having a quiet night, I use that time to plan a weekend project and figure out what supplies I need and how much time it will take. I don't like doing too much on the weekend, that's family fun time.

As for computer time, I do that during breaks at work and after school, before I get dinner ready.

Mostly I've learned to say NO! to all the other people who require my time. I wasn't getting things done that were important to me because I was taking care of other peoples wants. It doesn't take many changes to free up valuable time.

-- jennifer (schwabauer@aol.com), February 07, 2001.

A new law was passed in New York State where you can get on a list to avoid those annoying telemarketers. The law is effective 4/1/01, and if you get such calls after 5/1/01, the outfit can get fined $2,000. New Yorkers can go to www.consumer.state.ny.us to get on the list.

-- bluetick (coonhound@mindspring.com), February 07, 2001.

Cindy, I really like this question. It has provoked me to thought, about what works and what doesn't work for me in terms of planning etc. I find that the common denominator in days that I go to bed that night in peace, as opposed to frustration, was if I invited God into the planning of that day right at the beginning. If I ask him to help plan my day and set my priorities and to help me find the blessings in the interuptions etc., I end up in peace at the end of a day, no matter what I might think I accomplished. I don't always do it, but when I do it is a real blessing.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), February 08, 2001.

YES! I completely agree. All day long yesterday I was singing hymns while I was sewing and doing laundry. That is probably why the kids do it all the time. I also pray about all sorts of stuff during the day when it comes to mind. He is an Awesome listener to be able to hear all of his children at the same time! YES! That is the way to get things done and do them happily. Oh....I didn't sing when I clipped chicken's wings....I laughed once and got a mouth full of feathers though!

-- Nan (davidl41@ipa.net), February 08, 2001.

I am the high Queen of lists. Every evening, or early the next morning I make a list of things to do for that day. As I complete something I check that off on my list. I don't always get everything on the list done but I use that as a goal for the day. I also write down things we need now, things we'll need soon, and things to look for at garage sales, flea markets, and auctions. The list also doubles as a journal/diary of sorts because I write down things that happen that day.

Stacy Rohan in Windsor, NY --playing on the 'puter was not on my list of things to do today!!

-- Stacy Rohan (KincoraFarm@aol.com), February 08, 2001.

I think most of you have written about the same thing-you make a list, mentally or physically and then prioritize for the day. OR you have a routine that you follow. I do both. During the work week, when I leave before sun-up and return at sundown most days, I have a routine. I do the laundry on the same day each week, the floors on the same days, and the dishes at the same time each evening. It is easier for me than for some of you because I only have one teenage boy at home now (single for several years now). It is hard to do this if your days are not 'routine' but it can be done. On the weekends is when the list comes in. I make a list during the week of things that need done, things I want to do, and things that would be nice to have done. On Friday evening I go over it and cross off what needs to wait for better weather, more money or help I won't have because my son is working through the weekend. Then, I start with what needs to get done in what order. I also make a list of what I need to do the jobs with. If I need to buy vacuum bags, then errands go before housecleaning. If the frig needs a quick clean up of unidentifible food, that goes before the errands so it is done when the groceries come home. If I need a tool, nails, or other hardware, the job gets placed later in the day. I also keep in mind that the housework can get done after dark, but cleaning the chicken house or pruning the fruit trees, or even raking the yard really needs daylight. Then I schedule in a visit to a friend, a trip to a favorite place (I live near the beach, and the winter waves are really beautiful-I love a walk on the winter beach). Once all that is done, I rewrite the list to include the gathering of needed supplies, the order of jobs and recreation and decide how early I need to get started. I love to stay in my jammies during the weekend and most days feed the chickens, sweep the porches,etc before I dress for the day. I get up so early during the week that it feels like I taking a vacation to do that. Even if you can't do necessary jobs or chores while you wait for doctor visits with your mother, perhaps that would be a good time to write down you plans, make your lists, record you wishes and dreams. It is never a waste of time to journal, dream, read a good book or just let your imagination take flight and see what you realize in your life. As long as you and your family are fed, dressed, the house is livable and your animals and plants are cared for- decide what is most important and go for it. As I reread your post I realize it is most important for you to take this in realistic 'bite size' chunks. Make your LONG list first, this is your long range plan. Then do your weekly list of things that need to be done to start on those plans, then your daily lists to remind yourself of today's priorities. I generally do a year long goal list, a seasonal goal list, a monthly goal list and then my weekly one. I also keep daily reminder notes in the car. I over organize so I don't forget. This comes from years of going to school for my master's degree while working full time and being a single mom. This is also how I am planning for my dream place within the next three years. betty

-- betty modin (betty_m9@yahoo.com), February 08, 2001.

I have a system for getting the garden planted, but other than that I'm not very organized. I do write lists, with the most important things at the top or with a star next to them. I will write a daily list with a lot more than what I'd ever be able to do, simply because I'll forget what it was I was going to do if I don't write it down! Then I take that list and work from it for a few days. Sometimes I discard a task if it's not important. when the phone rings and it's a friend, I talk a long time, but sweep the floor, wash dishes, pick up toys, or do something else that is fairly boring by itself. Sometimes if a task is disagreeable and I dread having to do it, I'll follow it with some job that I've been wanting to do. Often I find that I was just dreading the task, but once I start on it, it's not so bad.

Waiting at a doctor's office is a great time to hand piece a quilt! I put all the pieces for a block in a ziploc bag, with thread, needle, small scissors, and a few pins, and work on that while I'm waiting. Then you don't feel as though your time was wasted.

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), February 09, 2001.

Some time ago there was a popular business management book titled "The Tyranny of the Urgent" This is a topic of many business seminars. It's not only a problem of farmers or homesteaders. One of the basic concepts I learned was distinguishing between important tasks, urgent tasks and vital tasks. It's really hard when you are emotionally invested in your work, but the first thing to do is objectively prioritize all of your tasks and responsibilities. Time is the great equalizer and those who are successful are the ones who can effectively utilize their time to the most efficient benefits. We tend to spend more time on the fun stuff, and not as much on the vital stuff.

I have three basic categories of chores/projects:

1. Things that must be done regularly. These are tasks that because of obvious necessity or personal style, I simply cannot put off. Eating is one. If I don't eat, I'll starve to death. I take time to eat. Sleep is another. When I short myself on sleep, nothing else goes well - I simply don't function at peak performance. Feeding, milking, vaccinating, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping: these are all task that we do regularly to avoid unpleasant or detrimental results.

2. Things that are important, but that have no short term urgency. This is where I tend to get into trouble. Cutting firewood falls into this category. Right now I have some poorly seasoned firewood hissing in the stove because I didn't put it up early enough last summer. I let other "urgent" tasks push my firewood schedule further and further back. Weeding the garden, filing bills and invoices, balancing the checkbook. If these don't get done when the "should" get done, life will still go on, but often they tend to catch up and require more time later to fix than if we did them promptly.

3. Projects that would be nice to do, but it really doesn't matter if they never get done. Remodeling the basement family room area, installing decorative slats on the outside stairway, clearing some brush to expand the pasture. I have dozens of unfinished projects that were brought to the point of being serviceable. I would like to put the finishing touches on them, and someday I'll have a free afternoon to do so. Some of these projects have been unfinished for years.

Where I get into trouble is procrastinating a vital task until it becomes a full blown crisis. This happened last year after my wife kept reminding me that we needed to replace the four foot field fence separating the does from the bucks. One afternoon, one of the bucks went over the fence and bred a doe. This doe was already planned for another breeding. We spent half the night replacing the fence. I had all the materials on hand, but just had not taken the time. When it became a crisis I was forced to take the time under less than ideal circumstances.

Managing both daily and seasonal responsibilities on a homestead is much like playing a game of chess. Every decision regarding the investment of time will affect future decisions in unique ways. The problem with homesteading is that there is more than one opponent moving the peices around. I work full time at a city job. I keep a list of major projects. Every saturday I study the list and try to determine the most advantageous project to work on. That's after the daily/weekly chores are done. Most of the time I never get to the list.

We all have activities that we can simply cut out of our schedules. TV is one of the worst time wasters. I waste a lot of time looking for tools. Keeping tools and equipment organized and workspaces cleaned up saves more time than it takes in the long run. Technology is also a great time saver, but sometimes is at odds with the homesteader philosophy. Frozen dinners take much less time than cooking healthy meals from scratch. What you accept and use in the way of technology and modern conveniences will have a major affect on your time management. We have a cream separator, butter churn, grain mill, and other such items, but we've never used them because we haven't had the time, yet. Maybe next year. If I find the time.......

-- Skip Walton (sundaycreek@gnrac.net), February 09, 2001.

We don't have a tv at all! My hubby says that if we did he would never get anything done. My children have never had a tv to watch and they are really good students that love to read! I on the other hand have trouble prying myself away from a good book. I have to limit myself to reading after all of the work is done. We all have our time wasters.

-- Nan (davidl41@ipa.net), February 09, 2001.

What to do at those long hours spent waiting in a Dr.'s office??

Why not do some small tasks such as mending, or learn a new craft such as knitting or crocheting. you coud make an afghan using the one square at a time method so you would not have to carry much equipment with you. I make strips for afghans on my ozark mountain loom (small) when I have to wait for any appointment. all i need is the loom , yarn, and the small tool that works the loom. I have made 5 afghans this way. I have also made socks and mittens during these times.

blessings to all, sally

-- sally stanton (mallardhen67@hotmail.com), March 19, 2001.