Deidra Mangus

It seems like when I feel like I kinda get myself together, something else comes up and I’m back at square 1 trying to remake a schedule and to-do list and get it all done each day….

I’m starting to realize, this “super mom” isn’t so super all the time, but I’m making my way and doing what I can!

I’m sure some of you can relate to this… especially my fellow mamas, nurses, and even fellow work from home mamas! I honestly felt like I had it more together when I was busier working my 12 hour nursing shifts, taking my master’s classes, raising a newborn and 1 year old and starting my home fitness business! So what the heck happened to me?!

Well, lots happened especially over the past 2 years… I retired from nursing to work from home, and this year went through a divorce where I am now the single mom raising 2 boys and managing the home alone while managing my full time fitness business!!

As my life may seem like rainbows and butterflies on the outside, its not! I hope I never portray myself that way although sometimes it may appear that way because of how happy I look especially on social media.. WHY do I always look so happy?? Well, I have NO problem sharing my struggles and I’ve always done that, but when I’m feeling down, stressed, or defeated, I turn it into counting my blessings for what I have! I have a God who loves me unconditionally and accepts me for who I am, I have 2 healthy beautiful boys who  I absolutely adore (it may not seem that way when they are driving mama bonkers), and I have a successful fitness business that I absolutely LOVE that has impacted my own life in so many ways, along with others!

But when I say its not always rainbows and butterflies, I’m gonna get really REAL with you right now… I completely STINK at my schedule! One would think having the busy schedule that I use to have would have been more difficult to manage. But I actually did better being under pressure! Being able to work from home and take care of my family and home all at once has made me a little more laid back with managing my time… which means I get less done with more time! GAH I hate admitting that!!

I guess it’s a different kind of busy.. you stay at home and work from home mamas know what I mean right? More ability to pick up after everything and everyone, more time for more kids activities and driving back and forth with kids, and more freedom to do what we need!

So although I am less pressure prompted to get things done, I am on a mission to be a rockstar mom who manages her time better!!

How will I do this?!?

Well, it starts with consistency on making that good ol to-do list.. I use to make it every night before bed so I know exactly what I was going to do as a wake up in the morning! Then, I’m going to do something that is even more difficult.. I’m going to follow that to-do list! No matter what happens or interruptions that come my way, I’m going to be diligent on staying lazer focused on my tasks and remove any interruptions that may interfere with me staying on schedule… for example, notifications on Facebook and social media, phone calls, and TV shows.  Its so easy to get off track by these things, but lets face it, those things will be there when were done with our tasks, so lets focus on getting things done that will impact our lives the most, THEN…. get back to the things that are mindless! With my to-do list, I will make 2 lists:

1. Must to TODAY- These things HAVE to get done and if not, will affect your life/business/family
2. Must be done this week or sooner rather than later- These tasks will not make or break you if not done that day, but really do need done.

Some tasks on my to-do list to keep me sane, healthy, motivated, and successful:

• Get my workout in. I make it a habit to get a 30 minute workout in daily.. to help me release those endorphins, stress, and tension that may be building up! Of course also keeps me healthy and strong! I am currently following the Hammer and Chisel home fitness program where I don’t have to leave the boys to go to the gym, but get the lifting and cardio piece!
• Read personal growth/development. It is so important for me to grow as a mother,friend, significant other, coach, leader, and of course in my faith! I would NOT have the mindset I do (especially with my struggles over the past 2 years) if it weren’t for listening and reading to sermons, audios, and books that help me to grow! I highly recommend adding this 15 min at least to your day… heck do it while your in your car driving to and from work, running errands, driving kids around, or cleaning the house! I listen to a ton of Joel Osteen and Steven Furtick sermons, along with John C. Maxwell, MWF motivation (podcast), and Chalene Johnson to name a few.
• Meal prepping each week. Every week, it is very important for me to save time when I can, but also stay on track with my nutrition to keep me feeling good and healthy! So my time and money saver is in meal prepping! I do this on Sundays after church and take at most 3 hours to cook all our meals for the week and then during the week, its one less thing to worry about!
• Time with my boys.  Sometimes its hard to put our phone away and focus on our kids… I mean, come on, there are so many things going on and I gotta be honest, working from home and having your business be social media makes putting your phone down even more difficult! So I make it a MUST to spend some quality time with my kids each day WITHOUT a phone by me! Like turned off, silent, turned over until that time is up!! I am learning more and more every day how precious that time is with our kids and those calls and messages can wait until I’m done with my kids and giving them my attention!!

So here it is!! I know what I need to do, its a matter of doing it!! I gotta say, I feel like Im being held accountable by writing this!! So I will keep you updated and see how it goes!! I know the ONLY person that can make it happen is ME!!! I AM IN CONTROL … and so are YOU!!!!

If you are one of these mamas or dads who struggle on this time management thing with life, make that do-to list and STICK WITH IT!!! I have done it before and know first hand, it works!!! Time to take action!!