I’ve talked a few times in past posts about setting a workable schedule for myself. Between working, taking care of The Little One, and creating time for Foxy Fiance to study/go to school/work; nothing feels like “me time.” I usually flop down on the couch after Little One is sleeping and call it a night. I always use the excuse “I just don’t have time!” to work out, to eat right, to write, to blog, to fill in the blank.

It sure is easy to say “This year I’m going to use my time wisely. I’m going to really crack down on my laziness and find free time.” It’s a whole other ball game trying to implement it! This is usually how my inner conversation with myself goes.

Me: Gaaahd. I’m so tired. I never have time. How can I exercise? I have a JOB and  KID

Inner Skinny: Yeah, but lots of people work out with kids and jobs.

Me: nuh-uh! They must have gobs of money and gym memberships and Foxy Fiances that are home to watch babies and TIME.

Inner Skinny: Aren’t you just sitting there watching TV? Don’t you have a ton of workout DVDs ?

Me: Shut up.

I’m completely exhausted with this conversation. Last week I sat down at my desk and got real with my schedule and time. I hope you find this helpful with your own life and goals – it’s amazing all the time I have been wasting! Alright, let’s break it down

1. Make a List of your Fixed and Flex items that need to be put on your schedule.
2. Create a time sheet and block off your fixed time. You can find these online, or make them in Excel, iCal, or whatever calendar system you’re comfortable with.
3. ADD IN SLEEP. Do not let this be negotiable.
4. Add in your flex items, and be realistic. Are you really going to get up and do cardio at 6am? If so, GREAT! But don’t set yourself up for failure. Be sure to leave empty time where needed.
5. Step back, and revel in all your glory.

Here’s how I did those steps

I was really surprised how short both of my lists were, honestly. Especially all my Fixed Items. Do I really just sleep and work? That definitely doesn’t take up all day. A huge step for me this year will be getting enough sleep and waking up on time. It’s something both Foxy Fiance and I need to work on. Since we work somewhat opposite schedules, I have to schedule when he’s going to sleep (8pm-ish) so I can spend quality time with him and NOT be worrying about blogging or working out.

So, let’s start with a blank slate

Add in the Fixed Items

Oh my lord! Look at all that free time I have at night and on the weekends! When push comes to shove, this is my only “real” schedule. Everything else can be moved around if I need it to (this is why I call it Flex Items). At first glance, it looks like I have plenty of time in the morning before Little One is up and I’m out the door to work. I’m also keeping in mind that I want to have dinner every night with my man, do chores as needed, and definitely not over-book myself so I have time to decompress from the day.

Now, for the flex items!

I think that’s a pretty good schedule, what do you think? There are items that are “duh” items to me (like I blog at work, Adam’s class schedule, dinner time, etc.) but I think this is a great blueprint for me to reach my goals. Again, look at the free time I still have in the evening to journal, spend with my daughter, and relax! And weekends are almost completely free of obligations, which gives me a chance to pick up a Flex Item that I may have neglected during the week.

I printed off a bunch of these and put them around my house, my planner, and my work. I think it helps me keep focused on what I can accomplish if I do what’s best. But, then again, I’m kind of an obsessive planner. We’ll see if I can actually hold up my end of the deal and DO IT.

What do you all do to stay on track?

Does creating a workable schedule make you look at your time differently?

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