Working Mothers: Organizing Your Life

Accomplishing Your Goals at Work
Planning ahead and being organized are essential to your continued success on the job. The following are easy-to-follow tips for staying organized at work:

1. Work productively—List your tasks in advance for the week. Stay focused and start each day with your priorities in mind. Whatever isn't finished at the end of the day should be done first thing the next morning.
2. Carry a calendar—Divide each page in half: one side for business, and the other for home.
3. Schedule the most demanding activities during the time of day when you have the greatest energy—Whether it's a high-pressure sales call or attending a "Mommy & Me" class with your baby, make sure you are up for the challenge. Try to leave at least 10 percent of your schedule open each day to accommodate "emergencies" such as pulling together a last-minute presentation or taking your sick baby to the doctor.
4. Make a master list—Not just a "To do" list, but a list that notes every single task and appointment-from the names and numbers of people to call to the status of current work projects to taking your baby in for a doctor's appointment to dropping off dry cleaning-that will use up the time in your day. Ask yourself what is the most important thing you need to do now and do it. And then check off your list. Pinpoint the time wasters: Things you don't really need to do at all, things you can put off, things other people can do for you.
5. Say No—It's nice to be needed but your time is at a premium now. Recognize when and to whom you can say no and practice exercising that option as often as possible.
6. Keep a sense of humor—It will help you like nothing else to enjoy the good moments and weather the bad.
7. Don't bring your baby to the office while you work on Saturdays too often—When you do, spend some time interacting with him afterward (go for a walk, etc).