It's time for another school fundraising time management post!

Yep, it's been too long.  I cruise right along forgetting that my time management skills need constant attention.  Here's where I'm at and maybe this is similar to the situation you find yourself in:

Many small daily tasks to complete.  Some ongoing big picture tasks and a heck of a lot of ideas filed away for future use.

I am writing a list daily of no more than 4 things to work on.  This list is setup so that I can get the items done.  It seems to be working.  Everyday, it's a clean slate and the only challenge is remembering what to put on the list and keeping open to adjustments throughout the day when things come up.

If you are a planning a fundraiser then you know time management is a huge part of that. Focusing your efforts where they will make the biggest impact is crucial to the success of a fundraiser. Great marketing and promotion will lead to higher participation and ultimately more money for your school or organization.

Here are a few time-management tips I ran across that may help you as much as they will help me :)

1) Plan, Plan Plan
Instead of making a "to-do" list that's miles long, take a few minutes and organize your priorities. What is it that requires your immediate attention? Is there a deadline that you have to meet? What is going to take the most ammount of time/ what is going to take the least ammount of time? Asking these questions while you are organizing your tasks will ensure the most efficient use of your time.

2) Set attainable goals
Do not get overwhelemed. Sometimes you have several important tasks with a short deadline, or many items that may take a long time to complete. Take a breath and have a zen moment, then look at your plan. Set a a goal for the day and set a goal for each hour. If you break down your larger tasks into smaller, attainable tasks, everything will look much more manageable.

3) Give 100% effort
It's important to remember to give whatever you are working on all of your focus and attention. I know it's hard to only focus on one thing at a time when there are a million things vying for your attention, but I promise it's worth it. If you give one task at a time all of your attention, you will finish it effectively and you will know that it is the best that you could possibly do. Then you can move on to the next task and give that just as much time and attention. Not only will you accomplish your goals, but everything you finish will be valuable.

4) Eliminate distractions by taking breaks
When you have been working on one item for a long time, it is easy to find your mind wandering. Instead of trying to just keep pushing through til you get to the end, take a five minute break. Visit your favorite website, get up and walk around, go outside, call a friend or family member. Don't look at these things as a distraction, sometimes it's important to back away from your work for awhile to gain fresh perspective later on. This will make you more efficient, and keep your mind fresh.

5) Don't procrastinate
Plan early and give yourself plenty of time to finish your tasks so you are not waiting until the very last minute to finish something. Stick to your plan and don't put things off. The reason you took the time to organize your tasks and make a plan was to avoid procrastination and rushing at the last minute. So stick to it!

5 Tips to Stay Motivated as a PTA Mom or Dad

As a PTA mom or dad, you’ve probably experienced your fair share of ups and downs. Balancing multiple schedules, constantly running from place to place, and dealing with the stress of everyday life can all seem to be a bit much at times. When the initial excitement of your projects and goals starts to wear off, and you find yourself experiencing a lull, it may be harder to muster up the focus and determination needed to finish what you’ve started. And as you come closer to launching your major fall fundraiser, you want to be able to focus on raising the big bucks while having a great attitude. So as a PTA mom or dad, what do you do when your excitement is waning? You can start by using these 5 helpful tips to get back on track.

1. Remember Your Purpose
Why did you choose to be a PTA mom or dad in the first place? Sometimes, people can get so caught up in the daily grind, that they forget the big picture. Remind yourself why you chose to join the PTA and how ever child benefits from it. Focusing on the purpose of the PTA will help you stay motivated.

2. Review Your Expectations
Are your goals realistic? A lot of times PTA moms and dads set extremely high expectations and then expect too much of themselves. It is hard to be enthusiastic about something if you’re so overwhelmed that you barely have time to breathe. Go over your goals and make sure they are attainable, and then don’t be afraid to delegate if you feel that you have taken on too much.

3. Get Moving
Physically moving around is arguably the best way to awaken the senses and reduce stress. Go for a bike ride or a walk around a park. Get outside and clear your head and breathe in some fresh air. It will wake you up, and the more awake you are, the more you will be motivated to get moving on your fundraising goals.

4. Check In With Other PTA Moms and Dads
Talking to others who are in a similar situation as yours will show you that you are not alone. You are part of a team that is working towards a common goal. Talking to others is also a great way to spark new and interesting ideas. Processing ideas crafts thought, and that’s just what you are looking for.

5. Eliminate Negativity
Perhaps the most common cause of burnout stems from something that is causing negativity in your life. This could be anything that wastes your time, drains your energy, or creates in you a bad feeling. It ranges anywhere from habits, circumstances, things, or people. When you focus on something negative, you fail to see positive opportunities. Identify negatives in your life, and do your best to extinguish them. Then, you can respond to circumstances that are more significant.

Now that you find yourself enthusiastic again, get moving! Remember what your doing is making a difference in children’s lives. You can review these tips anytime you feel your motivation sliding.