So if you’ve been around these parts for a while, you already know that I’m obsessed with efficiency. Especially when it comes to my time.

I mean, I kind of have to be over here as I go back and forth in all my roles: as a business owner, leader of a team, a mama, and a wife. Life if definately full these days, but I wouldn’t change it for a second. It’s full of all the right kind of things. Something tells me you’re in a similar boat over there.

So when people ask me all the time how I plan my day, it takes everything in me to not talk for an hour STRAIGHT about the things I’ve found that work really well for me. It’s been a journey to get there though— like years of trying and testing different things out. But there’s nothing like motherhood to really seal the deal on this stuff mattering even more. Every minute counts.

Especially as someone who wants to be intentional with my life, but also running a business.

Without being super complicated. It can be done.

So before we jump in, this will probably make the most sense to those of you who run your own business too, want to one day, or you are someone who’s in charge of your time.  I do also think there are some things in here that really anyone can take, entrepreneur or not.

So come watch as I reallly break down what I do (and why).

First things first. I’ve learned I HAVE to have a bit of a plan. I am not a winger, or anything close. If it’s just left to a random to-do list, I’m left getting pulled in so many directions without actually accomplishing what I need to do that day. I just end up trying to check off boxes because it feels good, but never really get what I need done, done. Rando to-do lists don’t help create more time and space and margin for the things I need (and want) to do.

So after I’m done with my morning routine (you can see that bad boy right here, it’s also very simple and efficient and flexible, just how I like it!), I take some time for stillness and quiet. It might be meditation or journaling, maybe listening to a playlist or writing a prayer list. Just time to slow down and reconnect with what’s important to me, and why I’m doing what I’m doing before jumping into PURE CHAOS.

Kidding… But sorta not.

My quiet time gets me centered before I even make my plan of attack for the day– answering emails, chatting with my team, planning events, writing content, digging into launches, etc. etc. I just first focus on making sure my energy and vibration is at the best, chillest, most balanced place possible.

And I even set a timer, sometimes I give myself 10 or 15 minutes, sometimes it’s just 5. Really it depends on the day and how I’m feeling.

Next up, I look at the calendar, like the full week-– my personal commitments and work calendar, plus what’s happening for the team. Looking at it as a full-picture week helps me not stress about getting everything done in a day, and I break it down by personal, work, and team things.

Seeing it broken down into categories helps SO MUCH, you guys. So much.

After creating my massive list, broken into 3 sections, I ask myself the most important question: Do all of these things need to be done by me? Or are there things I could ask for help with or outsource?

I think as women especially, we pride ourselves on and feel this big pressure to do ev-ery-thing on our own. To tough it out and push through the stress and craziness and just get it done. And I think in running a business especially, it can leave you super stressed out and anxious.

But so much of it can be relieved by just asking for help. And you can and should ask for help, there’s no prize at the end of the day for doing it alone! So I always check in with this first– whether it’s outsourcing to my team or just getting grocery delivery set up. Some things can usually be handled by someone else.

Also ask yourself: Does this need to get done at all? Or is it something extra or unnecessary? You might find you have a lot of excess going on around you that’s taking your time away from what really matters and where you actually need your focus to be.

Now let’s get into the daily nitty gritty. After making my giant, weeklong list, I get into what I want to do for the specific day.

I use a this planner but you can use literally anything you have, and I write down the 3 things I want to get done today.

3 things. That’s it!

These 3 things are the most impactful, most meaningful items I need to get done first. They move the needle forward and make everything else easier or not necessary, and those 3 things are my top priority.

Then I get a little side list together of things to get to if and when I have the time– aka once the 3 big guns are handled and checked off. This side list literally goes… on the side of the top 3 list. And below all of that, I create a third and final list of other things I’d like to get to this week, but they’re the lowest priority.

And here’s the kicker. I do not let myself move to those 2 other lists just to check off easy things and “feel” productive until my top 3 things are done. Done! It keeps me on task and concentrated on what needs to happen, and 3 things feels doable every day, even if some are more substantial than others.

You can watch the rest of my process here– it’s easier to talk through it as I do it, rather than write it out here. It includes:

• getting my top 3 tasks done first
• then I’m able to move on to the other sections (usually in the afternoon or at night– stuff that doesn’t require too much brain power)
• when and how often I check email & slack messages
• how often I check social media (& for what)
• my cadence for the afternoon
• how I keep myself focused instead of losing steam
• the time cube
• and so much more!

Just know that while having a plan is so helpful, it can always change and shift depending on the day. To me, this isn’t about restricting yourself or putting yourself in a box. It actually creates more freedom and intention to know where your time and energy is going, and protecting it from being wasted or not used to its best level.

So now, it’s your turn. What are some of your favorite ways to get more (of the important things) done? I hope that by me sharing mine, it gives you some ideas and things you can take and test in your own life too. You don’t have to do EXACTLY what I do, they’re all just ideas to get your brain going on what could possibly work for you to stay more focused and intentional with your time each day– especially if you have big dreams and big things you want to make happen for this life.

Love this post? Check out my favorite business tips & resources guide too: the best books, podcasts, apps & sites to help you be the most efficient with your time!