Everything takes time.

Just ask WebMD, who created these “5 Tips for Better Work-Life Balance.” Figuring out what really matters and prioritizing is a big deal.

Perhaps I’m stating the obvious, but as a blogger – and a blog reader! – the one thing I am most careful with is my time.

Some common – and honest – questions I tend to ask myself:

1. How long will it take me to write this post?
2. What takes priority, blogging or sleep? (Sleep usually wins!)
3. Will people be upset if I just can’t find time to blog today?
4. Will people be mad if I don’t comment or have time to read today?

Most of the time, I step back and assess the situation from a rational standpoint. For starters, the world does NOT revolve around me or my posts – that would be scary – and no one is going to be upset with me if I don’t post…other than me. There are SO many important news stories, events and happenings going on in the world every day.

That said, I truly enjoy blogging as often as possible and hope that you, my readers, get something out of it and visit my site for a reason. So although it may sound trivial to spend time dwelling on whether or not I should choose an extra 30 minutes or 1 hour of sleep over blogging one night, if blogging is important to me — which it is — these questions are necessary.

The point of this little speech is to introduce our next fabulous Guest Bender. When Quinn offered to do a post on time management, I jumped at the chance to see what she came up with. 

I hope you enjoy what she has to say as much as I did! It’s certainly going to help me plan — and maybe, just maybe, I’ll no longer have to choose between sleep and blogging anymore. Maybe, just maybe, I can have the best of both

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Fitting It All In

Hi Jenn’s readers! I’m Quinn of My Mantra: Everything in Moderation. I blog about how I abide by the philosophy of doing everything in moderation; in turn, I like to think I lead a more balanced life.

Jenn is also a VERY busy girl, so I think this post is extremely fitting. I am often asked how I fit it all in. Between family, work, blog, friends, a new house, dog, fitness, self, etc. there is a lot to do! Some gets put on the backburner, but for the most part, I run around like a crazy woman doing it all!

Let me tell you, it is NOT easy. One of my biggest strengths, however, is multitasking. From my days as a waitress, I was able to print a check, greet a table, bring guests their appetizers and more. I’ve taken those skills and implemented them into all facets of my life. From work to cooking to utilizing my time whilst commuting to shopping – there are always moments to multitask and get ahead.

But how can you do it? It’s easier than you think. Let’s say you have three things that have to be done. Assess the situation. Triage what’s most important and start knocking it out in order of importance. Once that’s done, move on to the next task. There is nothing more satisfying than crossing something off a list. Before you know it, you’ll be done with everything and feel so accomplished!

I am constantly making use of my time. While I’m on the phone I clean up the house; while the dog is at the groomer, I’m at the gym catching up on magazines; I drop off my dry cleaning while en route to the grocery so it’s not two separate trips, etc., etc. Same goes for cooking. While your main dish is cooking, prepare the salad and set the table. Use your time wisely, and it will in turn make you the most effective person you can be!

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Thanks, Quinn! In addition to her amazing advice, I wanted to list out three time management tools that I find particularly useful:

1. Google Calendar: The easiest and most colorful way I know to keep appointments, events and key dates logged all in one place. You can have reminders sent your email so that you don’t miss a beat.
2. Day Runner: Even though most of my life is now digital, I still love having a physical day planner when I’m on the go. Plus, there’s something about writing things down with colorful pens, highlighters, etc. that gets me motivated. Yea, don’t laugh – you know you secretly agree!
3. Mini Notebook: In addition to the day planner, I like to carry around a mini spiral notebook to add thoughts, to-dos and notes to throughout the day. I can transfer these to my calendar or save them for later use easily this way. Currently, I am obsessed with everything from Jacqueline Savage McFee. Check her out!

In the end, what works for one person may or may not work for you. But I hope that this provides some guidance to anyone chasing after the impossible: finding a way to fit 36 hours into a 24 hour day 🙂

Abrazos!