“You can’t master everything. Not everybody is built for that… Just give yourself some grace. And be patient with yourself. And if you don’t get it done that day, and you don’t get it done the next day, just make sure that you keep trying to get it done.” – Heather Steinker
It’s not easy to be a mom, have a business or job, and raise children at the same time. However, through proper time management, the tasks can be less daunting. Heather Steinker discusses practical tips and strategies to employ such as knowing your “power hour”, setting timers, and delegating tasks in the family.
Following the crumbs in the chaos is a full-time job. As a busy mom of three, a wife to a traveling hubby, and keeping it weird in Austin, Texas, it’s safe to say that Heather’s life is far from boring. Running a household with three young kids takes strategy and a system to keep things moving, like a well-oiled machine. After many moms came to her asking “How do you do it? I swear you have more time in the day than anyone else,” Heather wanted to show them the way! She created Chaos n’ Cookies to help busy mompreneurs stress less and save time through helpful tools and systems to increase productivity in their lives. Heather teaches her clients to be more efficient in their homes or running their businesses, working smarter and not harder.
[00:01 – 05:10] Creating Systems Despite Chaos – Working Smart, Not Hard!
- Heather on thriving despite the chaos
- Her video of folding laundry in the car blew up – that’s how it started
- The key is to stay efficient and not feel stretched
- Strategies for prioritization
- Practice time-blocking and strictly establish your appointments and personal time
- Set timers and reminders to refrain from going down the rabbit hole
[05:11 – 16:17] Imposing Discipline When Tiny Tasks Get in the Way
- Managing day by day
- The social media trap happens to us – utilize the tools at your fingertips
- Realize what is important versus what needs to get done
- Work on the non-negotiables first and then the important tasks
- Client work during the day
- Delegate time to answer emails – know your “power hour”
- Run your business by setting your hours and “CEO day”
- Stipulate time with the family in your schedule
You want to get those non-negotiables out first, and then any very important task, whatever you don’t get done. And it can wait, it will go to the non-negotiable for the next day so that you’re not pushing it… At least [it] will get done the next day, so it’s peace of mind. You can move on to being a mom or doing what you need to do.
Heather Steinker
[16:18 – 35:29] Tips for Mompreneurs on Online Business and Home Management
- Time-saving hacks to employ
- Create phrases on your smartphone keyboard for easier typing
- Use notes and drafting pages for posts and emails
- Prepare children’s clothes and ingredients beforehand using bins
- Temptations at home
- Put the mess behind a closed door when working
- Make your space functional and practical
- Implementing strategies in your life
- Pick one and be a master of it
- Stack the new behavior and be patient with yourself
- Let the family take in more accountability through the power of decision-making
[35:30 – 38:14] Final Thoughts
- Spend your time wisely and allow others to find value in you
- Connect with Heather (links below!)
Key Quotes
“You either cut the time short that you would spend for yourself or maybe with your spouse or your family, because you’re going to go and organize a closet, or you’re going to go and clean up something and take the time away from something else. So you want to time block as much as you can, and really try to stick with it super difficult if you’re not disciplined.” – Heather Steinker
Connect with Heather
Website I Facebook I Instagram
