We all have the same 24 hours in the day, so why is it that some people are able to get so much accomplished in their day while others just can’t? My aim is to give you some tips on how to get it all done on the homestead, but know that life isn’t perfect and things happen. That doesn’t mean you can’t try these productivity tips to make the most of each day.
The Truth is…
Although I always set out to get it all done on the homestead, that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes I can check everything off of the to-do list and other days not a single thing gets marked off. And the truth is that it isn’t always because something else came up. Sometimes I just need a break. So remember to give yourself grace during times of rest. You don’t always have to get it ALL done.
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How to Get it All Done on the Homestead
Make a list.
When you need to get it all done on the homestead, make a list. Just do a brain dump. Get it all out of your head. Don’t question whether it really needs done immediately or if it’s actually possible to get done right now. Write it all down and you can sort it out later.
Prioritize.
Next you are going to take that list and decide what is most important. On another paper, write down the tasks in order of importance. If the milk is going bad then you probably need to make yogurt as soon as possible. On the other hand, mulching around the fruit trees isn’t as time sensitive. The trees and mulch will still be there next weekend.
Delegate.
Then look over your list and decide what you must do and what you could delegate to somebody else. Remember that done is better than perfect. So while your husband may not vacuum as well as you would, at least it is done for now.
Batch it.
Doing large batches of similar tasks saves me tons of time. If I had to pick one way to get it all done on the homestead, it would be this. If you are going to be in the kitchen, then do all of the food tasks. Bake, cook, preserve. Then you will only have to clean the kitchen once too. I’ve started using this principle to prepare meals. On Sunday, I make up my lunches for the week. Since I’m already in the kitchen and cooking, I’ll make breakfast, cut up veggies, and cook meat for the week. I’ll prepare everything I can ahead of time. It makes our week much smoother and less stressful.
Create habits.
Ultimately, you will need to create habits to sustain a homestead. Put a new habit together with an existing one. For example, start a load of laundry after you take a shower. This trick will help you remember to do the new habit.
When You Can’t Get it All Done on the Homestead
Give yourself grace.
You are only human. Life won’t end if the dishes don’t get done. Nobody is judging you as harshly as you’re judging yourself. So step back and give yourself some credit.
Take time to rest.
The body needs rest. The mind needs rest. People have always had seasons of rest. Today’s hustle culture has made busyness the goal. You will not earn a trophy for always being busy.
Remind yourself of what is necessary.
You must feed the children, but it doesn’t have to be an organic, from scratch, well balanced meal every day of their lives. Sometimes a pizza is what you need to remain sane. And that is ok.
Write down what you did accomplish.
If you are having a hard time, write down everything you did accomplish. Sometimes seeing it on paper makes your brain recognize how awesome you are. Even if you only brushed your teeth and got dressed, write that down.
Just let it go.
Sometimes in life we must remember what Elsa said, “Let it go. Let it go. Turn away and slam the door. I don’t care what they’re going to say.” Seriously, some things aren’t worth holding onto. And remember that what you see other homesteaders doing on Instagram, isn’t the full picture. They won’t show the sink of dirty dishes because that isn’t inspiring.
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