As a single or divorced mum, life can feel like a never-ending to-do list. Balancing parenting, work, self-care, and personal goals is a daily challenge, often leaving little time to catch your breath. But by mastering the art of prioritisation, you can regain control, reduce overwhelm, and create a more balanced, fulfilling life. Here’s a guide to help you identify your top priorities, focus on what truly matters, and build a manageable schedule that supports your well-being and goals.
Step 1: Identify Your Core Priorities
The first step in effective prioritisation is clarity. To reduce the chaos, define the key areas in your life that demand focus. Think of these as your “core priorities” – the non-negotiables that align with your values and goals as a single mum. These might include:
- Parenting and Family Time: Quality time with your children and supporting their emotional needs.
- Work and Financial Stability: Fulfilling professional responsibilities and securing financial health.
- Self-Care and Health: Maintaining your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
- Personal Growth: Nurturing your goals, interests, and dreams.
Write these down and keep them visible. They serve as the foundation to base every decision and task on, helping you focus on what matters most.
Step 2: Break Down Your Tasks into Categories
To manage a busy schedule, categorise your tasks into three groups: urgent, important, and flexible.
- Urgent Tasks are time-sensitive and often have immediate consequences. For example, handling a child’s health emergency, preparing for a work deadline, or managing a legal document related to the divorce.
- Important Tasks are essential but not time-sensitive. These often support your long-term well-being and goals, like planning quality family activities, scheduling self-care, and pursuing personal projects.
- Flexible Tasks are less urgent or important and can be completed later or delegated, like organising the closet or catching up on social media.
Try a quick daily task review, placing your to-dos in these categories to maintain clarity on what needs your attention now and what can wait.
Step 3: Use the “Top Three” Method for Daily Focus
To avoid overwhelm, identify just three main tasks to focus on each day. The “Top Three” approach encourages you to choose three activities that align with your core priorities and that, when completed, make you feel accomplished. For instance:
- Task 1: Preparing a healthy dinner for family time.
- Task 2: Wrapping up a work project.
- Task 3: Taking a 15-minute self-care break, such as a short walk or meditation.
Having only three priorities per day keeps you grounded, ensuring you’re focusing on what matters without overloading yourself.
Step 4: Schedule Time Blocks
Time blocking is a powerful tool for maximising productivity. Divide your day into specific “blocks” dedicated to core areas like work, family, and personal time. Here’s an example of a balanced day:
- Morning: Family time with children and preparing for the day.
- Mid-Morning to Afternoon: Work or professional commitments.
- Evening: Family-focused activities, like homework or dinner.
- Late Evening: Self-care, reflection, or personal projects.
Sticking to time blocks reduces decision fatigue, helps prevent multitasking, and provides structure. It also helps in setting boundaries around each core area, letting you be fully present.
Step 5: Learn the Art of Saying “No”
As a single mum, your energy is precious. Saying “no” to requests, events, or tasks that don’t serve your priorities is essential. Politely declining unnecessary obligations lets you reserve your time and energy for what truly matters. If a task doesn’t align with your core values or immediate needs, give yourself permission to let it go.
Consider practising a few phrases, like:
- “I won’t be able to commit to that right now, but thank you.”
- “My schedule is already full, but I appreciate the invitation.”
- “I need to prioritise my time with family this week.”
Each “no” is an opportunity to protect your energy and keep your focus on what matters most.
Step 6: Build in Buffer Time
Life with kids and work is full of surprises. Giving yourself buffer time each day allows for flexibility. Whether it’s a child’s last-minute need or a work deadline shift, having extra time built into your schedule can reduce stress. Set aside at least 15-30 minutes in your day for unplanned tasks or moments of rest – this small adjustment can make a big difference.
Step 7: Check-In and Adjust Weekly
Creating a manageable schedule isn’t a one-time task. Each week, set aside a few minutes to review how things went. Did you accomplish your “Top Three” tasks most days? Were your time blocks helpful? Reflect on any adjustments needed and recalibrate your priorities as necessary.
Regular check-ins ensure your schedule evolves with your life and changing priorities. Plus, it’s a chance to celebrate wins, big or small, that keep you motivated.
Step 8: Embrace Self-Compassion and Flexibility
Even with the best-laid plans, some days will be challenging. Embrace self-compassion and remember that progress isn’t about perfection. It’s okay if some days are messier than others or if plans don’t go as expected. Flexibility is part of the journey, so be kind to yourself and celebrate every small win.
Key Takeaways
Prioritisation is more than just organising tasks – it’s about creating space for what truly matters, ensuring you have the energy and focus to build a fulfilling life. By defining your core priorities, focusing on your top daily tasks, and embracing flexibility, you’re setting yourself up for success. Remember, your journey as a single mum is unique, and so is your approach to managing it. Prioritising your time and energy will not only benefit you but also empower you to be fully present for your children, goals, and dreams.
You’re doing incredible work – now, it’s time to make it feel a little more manageable.
P.S. DID YOU KNOW?
Thrive Tribe – the global membership experience for single mothers – will be opening again very soon! Join the waitlist here.
PLUS You can book one-on-one coaching with Julia Hasche from wherever you are in the world!
- Do you need clarity on whether you should leave your partner or not?
- Have you just parted ways with your partner, and feeling lost?
- Have you been single for a little while now and need assistance with getting your life back on track and feeling empowered?
Click HERE to read about coaching and to hear from some others who have gone through coaching programs with Julia, and book in here for your 30-minute complimentary Clarity Call.
The purpose of the Clarity Call is:
- For me to get to know you and understand an overview of your current situation and where you are at.
- For us to establish what you need assistance with to move forward.
- To see if we are both comfortable working together.
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