No matter where you are in life, time management is essential to get ahead. While we have so many more resources at our disposal, (i.e. phones, internet, podcasts) there are also many more distractions. As a new father, your baby will require much of your time, especially if you are a present father. Time management becomes even more crucial if you want to be a good father, provider, spouse/partner, while continuing to maintain your career, health, friendships, and whatever else is important to you.

Time management does not necessarily mean getting more down, but rather, protecting the important things in your life. Being busy is not the same thing as being productive. Anyone can be busy, but what are you busy doing? Sometimes, you can be busy doing nothing that brings value into yours, or anyone else’s lives. Productivity, on the other hand, means you are intentionally and effectively doing meaningful work while also protecting yourself, your time, your energy, and your focus.

So, how do we become productive and manage our time effectively as new fathers? The following are some real-life hacks that will help:

1. Time block your day: Depending on your schedule, make 3 blocks to get all of your important items done. In the morning, before work and other responsibilities, take this time to do something for yourself. Go to the gym, read a book, journal, or take care of things around the house. Wake up before anyone else and work on things that are important to you. For the afternoon, go to work or get all of the essential things done, like errands, appointments, etc. In the evening, focus on lighter tasks and spend time with your family. Whatever you are doing during the time blocks, stay focused on that task. Once again, adjust these time blocks based on what works best for your particular schedule.
2. Follow the Top 3 Rule: Each and every day, pick three essential/must-do tasks that cover different areas of your life. For instance, perform one task related to your health, one related to your work/career, and one related to family. Here’s an example: get up in the morning and go for a walk, then finish up that important project at work, and then take your family out to dinner in the evening. Before going to bed, read a book and plan for the next day.
3. Set up short power sessions: You don’t always need extended periods of time to get things done. For instance, you don’t need to spend two hours at the gym, or three hours working on your book. In fact, spending this much time may actually decrease productivity because we tend to lose concentration after a certain period of time. Instead, set up incremental power sessions that last about 20-30 minutes. Spend 30 minutes doing intense workouts, spend 30 minutes writing, spend 30 minutes on chores, spend 30 minutes with a family activity. Make these short sessions powerful, non-negotiable, and distraction free.
4. Stack certain habits together: There are times that you can do various tasks at the same time. For example, listen to an audiobook or educational podcast while driving or walking. Exercise while watching TV. Make walking around the neighborhood a family activity.
5. Reduce decision fatigue by reducing decision-making on menial things: Decide on a healthy meal for breakfast and eat that daily. Decide what clothes you’ll wear for the week ahead of time. Set up specific days and times for working out. Plan family activities ahead of time. Of course, it’s okay to deviate from this once in a while. If you decide on a whim to go out to a restaurant, do it. If you decide last-minute to wear a new outfit, do it. Just don’t spend excessive amounts of time on these decisions. They are truly a time waster.
6. Work with your baby’s schedule. When the baby sleeps, do your deep work or do some work around the house. Also, you can use this opportunity to nap if you’re tired.

Remember to work with your partner and their schedule also. Make sure you are supporting each other to ensure you both get family and personal time.