Have you ever found yourself drowning in paper lists, sticky notes, and mental reminders, only to end the day feeling like you’ve barely scratched the surface of your to-do list?

You’re not alone.

Studies show that the average person spends about 2 hours per day just trying to organize and manage their tasks, often without making significant progress towards their goals. But what if there’s a better way? 

In Episode 173, we are diving into the 5th goal in our Goals Simplified Series that I think every mom photographer needs to have to make this year a huge success.

If you’ve missed any of the previous episodes in this series, scroll down for a full list of episodes.

I’m so excited to be diving into the world of digital task management systems —such as  Asana, Trello, Notion, Clickup and Todoist.

These platforms are game-changers, allowing you to organize tasks into projects, set due dates, and prioritize your workload effectively.

Plus, they offer the incredible convenience of accessing your to-do list from anywhere.

So, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by traditional task management methods or if you’ve tried a digital system before but it didn’t stick, this episode is for you.

Let’s explore how to make task management work for you, streamline your workflow, and free up more time for what truly matters.

1. Choose a Task Management System

There are so many to choose from, but my favorite is Asana.

If you’ve tried something like this in the past and it hasn’t worked it’s important to Evaluate What Went Wrong.

Take a step back and assess why the previous system didn’t work. Was it too complicated? Did you actually use it? Did you know how to use it? Perhaps you didn’t give it enough time or effort.

They say it takes 21 days for something to become a habit. Understanding the specific issues can guide you in choosing a new system that addresses these problems.

2. Make it Visible

Have whatever app you choose to start using standing alone on the homepage of your phone.

You could also set reminders throughout the day to remind you to use your task management system, post sticky notes on your bathroom mirror, computer and around your home to remind you of this new habit. 

3. Organize Your Task Management System

Start Simple!

Inside my The Efficient Mom Photographer program I recommend my students start with 3 projects as they get more comfortable with organizing.

They can add more (CEO Back Office, Master CEO List + Photography Clients) 

4. Set Aside Time for Planning and Review

Consistency is key. Remember in last week’s episode, Episode 172, where we talked about your CEO date? This is the perfect time to plan your week ahead and review your accomplishments and pending tasks. This habit ensures that your task management system remains up-to-date and reflective of your current priorities.

Here are a few specifics for what to do during your planning and reviewing:

• Prioritize your tasks   
• Set due dates to hold you accountable

5. Be Patient and Adjust as You Go

Adopting a new system takes time. Be patient with yourself and allow for a period of adjustment.

If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to tweak your system.

Task management is deeply personal, and what works for one person may not work for another.

6. Seek Feedback or Advice

Sometimes, an outside perspective can offer valuable insights. Talk to colleagues or friends who are adept at managing their tasks. They might suggest strategies or tools you haven’t considered.

Remember, the goal of a task management system is to make your life easier, not more complicated.

It’s about finding a system that helps you stay organized and reduces stress, so you can focus on the things you love outside of your business.

Goals Simplified Series:

1. Ep. 167. Goals Simplified – 5 Must-Have Goals for Mom Photographers in 2024
2. Ep. 168. The Goal that Changes Everything: Goals Simplified Part 2
3. Ep. 169. Create a Morning Routine that Fosters Wellness: Goals Simplified Part 3
4. Ep. 171. Implement Weekly CEO Dates For Strategic Growth
5. Ep. 172. Up-Level Your Time Management Skills