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So many women
struggle with their homemaking responsibilities and the need to use their time
more wisely. There are four concepts which will change your life.
Implement them consistently and you will see a major difference in use of your
time. Begin today to Plan, Prepare, Do, and Review!
Plan
- Each and every day for the rest of your life, plan out your .
Walk through it mentally, writing down those items which need your
attention. Make note of time commitments around which you will need to
work your daily chores, errands, and cooking. Decide now what you will
serve for dinner. Make written note of items which need your attention
(the odds and ends) which you will attempt to get to today if you have
time. Write, write, write. Prepare
- Now, once your have planned out your day, work through what you can do to
prepare for the day. Do you need to get hot dogs out of the freezer
for dinner? Do you need to put the suits in the car to take to the dry
cleaners (never put anything near the door - it seems we walk right past the
pile and get half way to the dry cleaners before we realize we don't have the
suits)? Do you need to call for directions to the birthday party this
afternoon? Work through how you can prepare for this day to go smoothly
and you will be glad you did. It always works better when you have
prepared. Do - As you go
through your day, always be asking, "What is the best use of my time right
now?" Try to work hard, fast, and focused on today's homemaking
chores. Keep interruptions from outside sources (phone, TV, radio, and
visitors) to a minimum until your housecleaning is done. Focus on your
children when they need attention and work with them (as much as you can) to get
their own chores done properly. Finally, try to keep a balance between
getting everything done and dealing with the surprises which today brought to
you. Sometimes you will meet a good friend unexpectedly and by taking the
time to visit for a minute you will through off your schedule. Still, a
renewed friendship is worth the adjustment of your plans. Review
- At the end of the day, walk back through it mentally and learn. What did
you forget, neglect, or otherwise goof up? How can you avoid that
happening ever again? It does no good to live unless tomorrow can be a
better day. I remember one evening as I reviewed my day it occurred to me
that if I would get into my sweat clothes first thing when I got up, comb my
hair, and put on some lipstick, I wouldn't continue to be embarrassed when
someone came to the door at an early hour (which always seemed to happen when I
still had my pajamas on). I have maintained that small change in habit for
many years and saved many an embarrassing moment. You will see changes and
improvements to make in your own life, too, if you will take the time to review
your day and learn. Good luck. Try hard, plan, prepare, do and review and you will see
improvements almost every day, every single day! Find more helpful ideas in
the "House
of Order" Handbook, Chapter 8, "Time Management."
Also
see: Calendars, Family
Councils, Lists, and Planners.
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