5 Time Management Hacks for Working Women

The most important skill that I MUST have to stay well as a working mom (and not lose it on the daily!) is time management. If you can relate to struggling with time management, you are not alone. I understand.  

In our fast-paced world, it is common to feel overwhelmed by the tasks and responsibilities we have and to wonder if there are enough hours in a day to accomplish everything we desire. The limited number of hours in a day can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and struggling to accomplish everything we set out to do. It is a common experience to feel as though time slips away too quickly, leaving behind a sense of guilt or regret, when we feel like we are not making the most of it. 

No Guilty Feelings 

As a working mom, I have to be incredibly accountable for my time. It still amazes me when I've crossed off all the tasks on my checklist at the end of the day. It's like a personal victory dance. But there are days when my productivity is less than stellar. When this happens, the automatic response that I always feel is a sense of guilt. Guilt, stemming from feeling like I should have used my day to accomplish something productive or more meaningful.  

But you know what? Being a working mom has taught me a valuable lesson about balance. It's not about being a productivity machine every single day. Sure, there will be days when my energy levels dip and my to-do list remain untouched. And in those moments, instead of succumbing to guilt, I've learned to embrace a different perspective.  

It's during these moments of self-doubt and guilt that I remind myself of a simple truth:  

I am only human. I have my limits, my vulnerabilities, and my imperfections.  

I always reassure myself by saying that it is okay to have off days. We have to acknowledge that our productivity won't always be at its peak. And that's perfectly fine.  

Why Time is Difficult to Manage? 

Time is a limited and finite resource. With only 24 hours in a day, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by numerous responsibilities, tasks, and goals we have to complete each day. The perception of scarcity that we often correlate with time, creates pressure to make the most out of it. Plus given the distractions and interruptions around us, our time is easily affected. Here are some factors that contribute to the difficulty of managing time effectively: 

Multiple Responsibilities 

Balancing multiple responsibilities can make it challenging to manage time. Women physicians and working women often juggle professional commitments, household tasks, family responsibilities, personal goals, and social obligations. The sheer volume of our tasks and responsibilities can create time management challenges and make it difficult for us to allocate time effectively. 

Unpredictability 

Time management becomes more challenging when we are faced with unpredictable situations. Emergencies, unexpected events, or last-minute changes in plans can disrupt even the most well-organized schedules. I know many women who can relate to this. Dealing with unforeseen circumstances requires flexibility and adaptability. With this, we are forced to adjust our priorities and make the most of the available time we do have.  

Overcommitment 

Women are known to be driven by the desire to excel both professionally and personally. And as women, we tend to take on more than what we can handle. When we overcommit ourselves, we lose track of our time making it seemingly difficult to manage. Therefore, we must set realistic expectations, learn to say no when necessary, and prioritize tasks to avoid spreading ourselves too thin.    If you're seeking valuable advice on how to avoid overcommitting yourself to unnecessary distractions in your surroundings, watch my YouTube video. I share some practical tips and strategies that will empower you to prioritize your focus on what truly matters. 

Distractions and Procrastination 

In today's digital age, distractions are abundant, making it challenging to stay focused on tasks. Social media, email notifications, and other forms of digital interruptions can easily consume our valuable time. Procrastination, another common struggle we often face, can further hinder effective time management. When we give in to distractions or delay the important tasks we need to tackle, this often leads to time crunches and increased stress. 

Lack of Planning and Organization 

Without a clear plan and organizational systems in place, time management becomes more difficult. Failing to prioritize our tasks, set goals, and establish schedules can result in a disorganized approach that leads to inefficiency and wasted time. Effective time management requires thoughtful planning and the establishment of structures that support productivity. 

Despite these challenges, it is important to remember that time management is a skill that can be learned and improved. By adopting strategies, it is possible to overcome these difficulties and effectively manage our time.  

Importance of Time Management 

Time management is particularly crucial for women physicians and working women due to the unique challenges we face. Here are five reasons why time management is especially important for us: 

Balancing Work and Personal Life 

Working women like us often have multiple responsibilities, including career, family, and personal commitments. Effective time management helps us allocate time to various areas of our lives, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. It enables us to meet our professional obligations while also having time for our relationships, self-care, and pursuing interests outside of work.  

Maximizing Efficiency and Productivity

Time management simply allows us to optimize our productivity. By organizing our schedules, setting priorities, and eliminating time-wasting activities, we can accomplish more in less time. This efficiency not only benefits our professional careers but also frees up time for personal pursuits and activities that bring us joy.  

Reducing Stress and Preventing Burnout 

We are prone to face high levels of stress due to the demanding nature of our jobs and the expectations placed upon us. Effective time management, helps us manage our workload and avoid becoming overwhelmed, therefore reducing our stress and preventing burnout.  

Career Advancement and Professional Development 

Time management plays a critical role in the career advancement and professional development of working women. By effectively managing our time, we can allocate dedicated periods for learning, skill development, and networking opportunities. This proactive approach ensures that we stay updated with the latest advancements in our field, build professional connections, and enhance our expertise, leading to greater career opportunities.  Sometimes, what we truly need is someone who understands the challenges we face. If you're searching for a supportive community that shares your passion for effective time management, my community is a safe haven where like-minded individuals come together to exchange experiences, insights, and strategies for mastering time management.  

Self-Care and Well-being 

Time management is essential for working women to prioritize self-care and maintain our physical and mental well-being. By scheduling time for exercise, relaxation, hobbies, and quality time with our loved ones, we can simply recharge and rejuvenate. Taking care of our own needs allows us to show up as our best selves in both our professional and personal lives.   

5 Effective Time Management Hacks 

As a woman physician, I understand firsthand the juggling act that comes with balancing a demanding career and personal life. It often feels like time slips through our fingers, leaving us scrambling to keep up. However, I've discovered that with the right time management strategies, we can regain control of our schedules and create a more balanced and fulfilling life. Let's dive into 5 time management hacks that have helped me navigate the challenges of time management: 

Hack 1: Embrace the Power of Planning 

As a busy woman, planning is your best friend. I always start each day with a clear vision of what I need to accomplish. You can set aside a few minutes in the morning to review your schedule, create a to-do list, and prioritize your tasks. This might sound so simple but it works. I find it helpful to break down my goals into smaller, manageable steps. This way, I can focus on completing one task at a time, which boosts my productivity and prevents any overwhelming feelings. 

Hack 2: Delegate and Collaborate 

Ladies, we don't have to do it all on our own. I repeat we don’t have to do it all on our own.  

Many of us tend to shoulder every responsibility, both at work and at home. However, delegating tasks and collaborating with others can lighten our load significantly. Trust others and empower them to take on certain responsibilities. Whether it's assigning tasks to your team or sharing household chores with your family, delegating allows you to focus on what truly requires your attention.  

Are you looking to collaborate and draw inspiration from an extraordinary group of fellow-physician women? Then, join me at the Brave Enough Women's CME Conference 2023. This conference goes beyond being just an event—it's an experience that unites dedicated professionals determined to seize control of their time. Be part of this transformative journey where innovation and empowerment converge. Tickets are selling out! So don’t wait. Grab yours today.  

Hack 3: Establish Boundaries and Learn to Say No  

As compassionate and natural caregivers, we often find it challenging to say no, especially when it comes to taking on additional responsibilities. However, setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining our well-being. Learn to prioritize your time and say no to tasks that don't align with your goals or values. Remember, saying no to one thing means saying yes to something else that deserves your attention, such as self-care or quality time with our loved ones. 

Do you want to learn how to set clear boundaries for yourself? Brave Boundaries, my book, is jam-packed with practical strategies to help you establish firm boundaries and learn the art of saying no.   

Hack 4: Make Time for Self-Care 

As a woman physician, I prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and maintain my overall well-being. I block out regular time in my schedule for activities that recharge and nourish my mind, body, and soul. Whether it's engaging in physical exercise, practicing mindfulness, or pursuing hobbies you love, make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. By taking care of ourselves, we can show up as our best selves for everyone around us. 

Everyone needs a break, and so do YOU. If you are looking for the ultimate self-care retreat (that you deserve) then come join an extraordinary experience tailored exclusively for you.  The Brave Enough 2023 Fall Retreat is happening this November. You absolutely deserve this unparalleled retreat that is full of self-care, insightful conversations, and complete rejuvenation. 

Hack 5: Leverage Technology and Time-Saving Tools  

In this digital age, we have an abundance of technological resources at our fingertips. There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of time-saving tools and apps that can streamline your workflow and enhance your productivity. From scheduling apps that can help manage appointments to software that speed up documentation, we can explore the various options available that will help simplify our daily tasks. Remember, technology should be an ally, not a distraction. So, use it wisely and set boundaries to prevent unnecessary screen time. 

Are you someone who feels like your calendar drives your day? Well, my $27 time management course is designed to help high-performing women (like you) take control of how they manage their time, efficiently and effectively.  

Take Control of Your Time 

There is a sense of empowerment when we take accountability and control of our time. Each passing day serves as a constant reminder that the frantic pace of modern life often tempts us to fall to the pressures of haste and urgency. However, it is in these moments that we must remind ourselves that there is no need to rush. Let's find beauty in taking things slow, easy, and savoring each moment.  

There is a wise saying that says “time is gold,” but sister, so are you. Your happiness and your overall well-being are gold. Take control of your time so you can experience all of that gold to the fullest.