I need to make some changes to my day. When I am intentional about how I spend my time, my whole family benefits, and I feel better for being more productive. But it takes effort.

My readers know I'm working hard to get serious about writing. (Read about my new ventures here and here.) I may be a stay-at-home-mom, but I'm also a writer and sometimes a teacher. If I'm going to be successful, I must be intentional about it. To be intentional about life, I must prioritize my day.
For me, I need to start my day by completing the most important tasks first. It's eating the frog, you know. If you have to eat a frog, do it first to get the disgusting task out of the way. Then you can go on to other, more pleasurable, tasks during the rest of the day.

Night Planning

Two Hours

In my morning makeover, I've decided to make sure I devote two full hours to other tasks before I even open the computer (for writing, email, blogging, whatever...). If I'm at at 5 a.m. but linger groggily in bed till six, that's a wasted hour. I count my time from the time I get up and out of bed in the morning (though beginning my day with the Bible is certainly important). Before breakfast, I start the first load of laundry of the day. After breakfast, I'll unload the dishwasher. Ideally, I'll tidy up the kitchen and check the meal plan for the evening. I will also shower and possibly fold laundry and plan out the remainder of the day. Usually I have time to read or play with Little Sister before my two hours are up. Other days we're out the door and running errands early on.

Quite honestly, once the children are out of school (this week!), I will likely extend the time I don't use the computer to three or more hours. In our home, mornings are our time for fun and housework. Afternoons are often spent relaxing in bedrooms (at least for the children).

As one who likes to linger in bed, I find this really working to get me moving in the mornings. Though I sometimes sleep in a bit on weekends, during the week my husband is up at 4:30 and my alarm goes off at 6:15. I'm usually awake long before my alarm goes off...but not out of bed. The two-hour goal motivates me to get moving in the morning. I suspect once school lets out, I will still be awake by 5:30 or 6, and I want to use my mornings wisely.

Quiet Time

I know some people can get up in the morning and have hours of quiet time to themselves before interrupted by children (or pets). However, as soon as I open (or close) my door, turn on my light, or attempt to do anything, my early riser children join me.

About a month ago I tried to come downstairs early to write. By early, I mean about 5 a.m. Within a ten minutes one child had joined me. After another two or three minutes, another child came downstairs all before 5:15 a.m. I was more than a little disappointed but not surprised. Little Sister, age 3, has hawk-like hearing and the third step from the bottom squeaks! With all that said, if I'm up early, I do my best to read the Bible on my Kindle (under the covers...just in case she sees the light) or take a shower.

Even with no lights or sounds, often a child comes in my bedroom before six...

Changes

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I earn a small percentage at no cost to you. Thank you!
~ Annette
Sign up for weekly or daily emails from This Simple Home.