I often track my time, and in fact once worked as a contractor and HAD to track my time at work. The system that I find works best for keeping it non-intrusive is to set up a spreadsheet (or time tracking app- there are apps aimed at contractors who have to charge by the hour) and then mark your time whenever you switch tasks. If your job isn’t computer based and/or you want to track time at home and don’t keep a computer handy, you can print out a spreadsheet and mark your time on the printout. Unless you want to do statistics, you probably don’t need to transfer the numbers to the computer- just seeing the marks on the spreadsheet will be enough. I wrote up my method last time I did a timetracking exercise: http://www.wandering-scientist.com/2012/08/tracking-time-brief-how-to-guide.html

@Calee- the homework in the AM for the kindergartner is a good idea. But my kindergartner isn’t the problem. If I only had the older two, we’d do better with the mornings because they don’t need to be constantly attended to… Well, the toddler will grow up.

@Ana- I know. I’m looking forward to being able to go out and play in the yard at 7 am. This morning, I had the 6 am to 9 am shift and I really did not use it optimally. I’m trying, but it’s hard. I keep hoping the baby will sleep past 6:30 — some days she does. Others, she does not. It’s the whole baby roulette thing.

@Gwinne- I think the technology is almost there that this should, soon, become a more passive experience (logging time). Think smart objects. Your shoes could report to your phone that you’re exercising. Your computer would log what you’re doing at work. Your bed would register that you’re in it. Your car, likewise. Until we’re there, I agree that logging time takes time, but that’s why I don’t do it every week. A few weeks here and there keep me mindful. I’ve posted a few full logs in the past; if you search 168 Hours Challenge on this blog they should come up…

We’ve pretty much switched to having our Kindergartener do her homework in the mornings. It’s not like it takes her very long and she’s much more willing to do it early. I know some people who set out a small craft (or legos or something) on the kitchen table before they go to bed so the kids wake up to something novel. But when it comes to wrangling 3 kids in the morning, that’s out of my league…

I’ve tried to track my time several times but find it takes too much time to record! Much better for me to think about my day while I’m in the shower or something and reflect on the moments that could have been spent “better.” Not as accurate, I know…

Laura, if you figure it out, let me know! Only my youngest is up that early (pre-6am most days), and its hard keeping him occupied until big brother gets up (7-7:30). I realized that when it warms up & gets light out, I can take him to a nearby park & have my coffee to go…but these cold dark morning are sooooo looooonnnnngggg!

@Nadia – I’m always willing to take a look at another log. Go for it! I believe the truth sets us free. I had a good week, but I was still aware of time I could be spending much better. My longish mornings with the kids are a big one. How can one spend 6-9 a.m. with small kids best? Especially when it’s dark and cold? I’m trying to figure this out.