"Productivity is never an accident. It is always a result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort." Paul J. Meyer

It’s Saturday, and I’m sitting on the couch with my laptop, listening to Bluey in the background while my daughter showers me with hugs and kisses. Sounds perfect, right? It is, except for the part where Bluey is playing on repeat. Sigh.

While I’m enjoying this sweet moment, my mind is racing with all the things I need or want to do today.

Should I focus on writing? Learn that new skill I’ve been meaning to pick up? Play games with my daughter? Go out with the family? Tackle the laundry? Or just binge that new Netflix series?

The struggle of deciding what to do and when is very real.

If you’re a working mom, I bet you’ve had days like this too. Days when your to-do list feels endless, and no matter how hard you try, you’re not sure how to divide your time or where to start. Maybe you’re even nodding or laughing right now because this is your everyday life.

Don’t worry, my friend. I’ve been there too and I’ve got you.

Let me ask you:

• How do you manage your time?

• Do you procrastinate more than you’d like?

• Do you constantly feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day?

The truth is, none of us have Wonder Woman’s powers. We can’t magically jump from task to task and get everything done perfectly. But the good news? There are practical strategies that can help you focus, reclaim your time, and move closer to your goals.

Today, I’m sharing 6 time-saving tips every busy working mom can use to manage her day with more purpose and less stress.

1. Prioritize with a Weekly Planning Schedule

The first step to achieving success in any area of your life is setting clear, specific goals. When you know exactly what you want to accomplish, it becomes easier to focus and take the right actions to reach your desired outcome.

Start by writing down your top three goals. You can use tools like Google Calendar, OneNote, Trello, or simply a paper planner, whatever works best for you.

Next, assess each goal:

• Is it a quick task or something that requires multiple steps?

For example, one goal might be as simple as decluttering your closet, while another, like starting a job search, might involve several stages.

If a goal involves multiple steps, break it down. Be specific about what you’ll do this week to move forward. Ask yourself:

• Which task is most urgent?

• Which task can I complete quickly?

• Which task will require more time and focus?

• How many days per week can I commit to working on my goals?

• How much time can I realistically dedicate each session?

2. Use Time Blocking

Time blocking works hand in hand with maintaining a schedule. This time management technique helps you use your time more intentionally by dividing your day into blocks dedicated to specific tasks or activities.

To make time blocking effective, start by listing all the tasks you need to complete during the day and estimating how much time each one will take. Here are some examples of common daily activities:

• Getting ready for work

• Commuting

• Answering emails

• Working on a report

• Driving home

• Taking the kids to after-school sports

• Studying with your children

• Exercising

• Reading or personal development

Use a digital calendar or a printed planner to block out your time. You can even group tasks into categories (e.g., work, family, self-care). The key is to focus only on the task assigned to each time block, nothing else.

Some people find they’re most productive early in the morning before the kids are awake, while others prefer working after bedtime. Choose a time that fits your routine and energy levels. Your time blocks should reflect when you’re naturally most focused and available.

One major benefit of time blocking is that it helps you stay focused on one task at a time, reducing procrastination and the urge to multitask, which often leads to feeling overwhelmed and unproductive.

3. Delegate Responsibilities

If your children are old enough, this is a great time to assign age-appropriate chores to help out around the house, such as cleaning their rooms, taking out the trash, loading the dishwasher, or helping with laundry.

If your budget allows, consider outsourcing certain tasks to free up more of your time. Common options include grocery shopping, window cleaning, ironing, or running errands.

4. Avoid Distractions

I know this one can be tough, but it’s essential. With social media always at our fingertips, it’s easy to fall into the trap of procrastination. In fact, social media can be a major thief of both time and joy.

If you want to make real progress toward your goals, you need to stay focused and minimize distractions that pull you away from meaningful work.

Here are three simple strategies to help you stay on track:

• Work in a quiet space, and put your phone somewhere out of reach. Only use it for emergencies, otherwise, keep it out of sight and out of mind.

• Keep only essential tabs open on your computer, just the ones related to the task you're working on.

• Remove or silence distracting apps by turning off notifications or deleting them entirely during focused work periods.

5. Take Regular Breaks

Even the most successful people need breaks to recharge. Skipping breaks can actually hurt your productivity in the long run. Giving your mind a chance to rest helps you refocus and take better control of your time.

Decide in advance how many breaks you’ll take each day and how long they’ll be. Most breaks last 10–15 minutes, aside from a longer lunch break.

During your break, try doing something that helps you reset like listening to music, stretching, taking a short walk, meditating, or enjoying a healthy snack.

6. Let Go of Perfectionism

As working moms, many of us struggle with perfectionism and it’s time to let that go. One of our biggest stressors? Social media. On platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook, it’s easy to compare ourselves to moms who seem to have it all together: perfectly groomed, fit, organized, and crafting picture-perfect lunches for their kids.

Let’s be real, that’s not everyday life for most of us.

I don’t know about you, but during the week, I don’t have time to make animal-shaped sandwiches or themed lunchboxes. And that’s okay. My goal is simply to make lunches as healthy and balanced as possible.

Give yourself permission to simplify. Let go of the need for perfection in areas like cleaning, school lunches, or home projects. Focus your energy on what truly matters to you and your family.

Most days, we’re in survival mode and that’s perfectly normal.

Final Thoughts

You’ll feel more motivated and less overwhelmed when you intentionally make time for your daily tasks and long-term goals using these time management strategies. It’s not about doing it all, it's about doing what matters most with the time you have.

Trust me, I’d love to be sitting on a beach sipping a piña colada too, but first, let’s tackle what needs to get done. With a little planning, you can be productive and make time for the things that bring you joy.

Best wishes,

Mel