Learn how to get things done as a busy coach

We all know that as a coach running your own coaching busieness your life is busy and sometimes it’s hard to get all the things done. However, never fear – this post will help you increase your productivity and get things done.

After reading this you’ll be able to clear the clutter from your mind and schedule your week like a pro.

In addition, I have a free printable scheduling tool for you which you can download and print out to help you organize your week.

So, no more wasting time…

Let’s get on and check off all those tasks on our to-do lists.

So, does any of this sound familiar to you?

• You feel disappointment at the end of a week because you didn’t use your time to get things done.
• You feel frustrated and stressed because you haven’t checked off any of the items from the endless to-do list in your head and you never seem to get things done.
• You’re trying to work on a project but thoughts from all other areas of your life take over and make it difficult to focus on the task at hand.

I know that all of these are true for me.

There is so much spinning about my head that I forget things.

And as a result, I stumble through the work I have to do as I try to complete everything and achieve nothing.

So, how can we get a clear mind and get things done?

Well, I have The Weekly Scheduling Tool for you which you can download at the end of this post.  By following the simple 5-step method, you’ll clear your mind and get things done.

Get things done – this is how:

1. Brain Dump

So, list everything that is on your mind onto paper, or into your Notes app.

Dump it

Don’t worry about the order or if they are tiny tasks – just get it all off your chest.

After you do this exercise, you’ll see how much clutter there is in your mind.

Consequently, you’ll realise that a lot of this clutter comes from things you can’t do anything about right now.  They are just taking up your time and attention.

Therefore, list everything you want to do including any goals, priorities or appointments you have.

You can use the questions below to help you identify the clutter in your mind.

So, write it all down.

Every. Last. Thing.

What makes you happy?

Is something stressing you?

What do you wish you could do?

What are you looking forward to?

Do you have financial worries?

What habits do you have or want?

Do you need to renovate your home?

Do you have any upcoming events?

How can you achieve your goals?

What do family members need?

What skills can you learn or develop?

Do you have any conflicts with people?

What unfinished tasks do you have?

Are there things that went wrong in the past?

What are your daydreams?

Do you have any regrets?

What people must you see?

How is your health and fitness?

What trips do you want to take?

What do you keep forgetting?

Do you have any worries ?

 Use the printable and the questions to help you with this exercise.

2. Categorize

Next, organize all of your items from your brain dump into categories.

Use categories like: Family, Health & Fitness, Fun & Social, Business

If you colour code each category, then you can check you have a balance across the different areas of your life when you come to scheduling your tasks.

3. Prioritize

Following this, look at each item and decide whether it falls into To Be Done, Maybe Later or Don’t Do.

Above all, decide quickly and write the item in the appropriate column.

4. Schedule to get things done

Next, place the items from the To Be Done column into your weekly schedule.  You can download my weekly schedule, write in your bullet journal or use a calendar app.

When planning your schedule, note how you feel emotionally and physically at different times of the day or week.  If you find it hard to keep your eyes open after 4pm, then plan to do your high priority tasks in the morning.

During the working day, reflect on how you feel and take that into account when you’re planning.

I’m at my best in the morning, so I always set myself tasks that take the most brain power then. I often feel tired after lunch, so for the afternoon I set myself tasks that I can do while listening to podcasts, or activities I enjoy like designing new products or curating my Pinterest account.

Be realistic about how long it takes to get things done.

I often think I can do something in an hour and then it actually takes four. Being unrealistic about how long things take leaves me so stressed.  To counter this, I try to keep my to-do list short with lots of extra time between tasks to cope with those unexpected tasks that often spring up for busy mums.  That said, I only assign myself a maximum of 3 big tasks a day.

Try batching together similar tasks. 

Grouping similar tasks allows you to focus on one topic and you’ll be super efficient instead of madly jumping about from task to task. Organize tasks by groups and you can get so much more done.

And don’t forget …

Do something that inspires you during the week. 

For example, leave room for things that you enjoy.  Commit and add them to the calendar. They’re just as important as the other tasks.

Throughout this process, you might not do it all and that’s ok.  Motherhood is hard and sometimes we just need time out.  Some days I struggle to keep my head above water and on these days, you’ll find me on my bed watching Netflix box sets (even though it’s nowhere on my schedule).

DOWNLOAD THE WEEKLY SCHEDULING TOOL FOR FREE HERE

So, you can do this.

Make yourself a mug of something hot, print out The Weekly Scheduling Tool and start planning.

Additionally, watch the TED talk from productivity coach David Allen for some great tips for how to get things done.

And remember, I’m always here to help.  If you need anything drop me a line at miri@miricampbell.com or reach out in the comments below.

Why not add opening your Etsy shop to your plan?

What tips do you have for clearing your mind and getting things done?

Let me know in the comments below. 

I would also love to hear about how you are using the Weekly Scheduling Tool and whether it has helped you to get things done.  

Can’t wait to chat (after you’ve finished your to-do list, of course.😉)

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