u/Beginnerdaytrader

So here is my dilemma.

Currently I work a full time job, in construction on the management side.

Additionally I want to start something on my own that I never focus on while at work. I am trying to get my Supervisor License so I am currently studying for that.

I also run a small design company on the side as well, again I don't conduct this business while I am at work.

My wife recently started a business that I am helping out with in terms of marketing and admin stuff. It is a catering/food drop business.

I am married and also have 2 kids, 8F and 5M. 5M has autism so he does take a bit more attention but I also focus on my 8F making sure she does her homework and does her chores, etc.

I am trying to balance everything but I don't feel like 24 hours in a day is enough.

How can I balance everything? Currently trying to fit bits and pieces of each business everyday but I sometimes feel like i should give it a day of focus at a time, so Monday Evening Business 1, Tuesday Evening Business 2, Wednesday Evening ?Business 3. My kids would be priority everyday though.

Just trying to see how I can be productive, be efficient but not get drained out everyday.

I would say roughly I need 1 to 2 hours of focus on each business after work to be on top of it. I also doze off and get distracted by things which does not help.

Some things I want to work on and incorporate in my daily life I just don't know if i can:

1. Reading, I want to read books, even if it is just a chapter or 2 a day
2. Journaling, I have a task journal for all these things above but a daily life journal, i have one I just don't really keep up with it unless I go on Vacation which means last time i wrote it in it was March and Previously from that was... New years?

I take multivitamins everyday to stay healthy, I don't eat sugar or fried food, health wise i feel healthy but i just want to do work. I don't like sitting still but i do feel tired at times since I will sleep at 11 sometimes and my eyes open without an alarm around 4 which keeps me tired.

I am sorry if I am piece mealing information, I don't know what is relevant and what is irrelevant, I just have alot on my mind, it actually took me 7 days to finally sit down and post this since I have not been able to give it proper focus.

How long does it take for you to go through a notebook/Journal that is maybe 100 pages just to set a baseline

I know it may differ for everyone depending if they are using it for
- Tasks Lists
- Journal entry
- Motivation/Help
- Doodling
Etc

Additionally, do you prefer going through it quickly or you want it to last as long as possible?

When i was in college i used a tablet to take notes. It was great because i did not have to lug around multiple notebooks.

When i started my career, i quickly learned that would not be helpful. A single notebook to keep track of tasks and notes was perfect. I slowly adding my personal life into it too so i had a notebook that was my go-to for everything.

The notebook i was using was a A5 brown leather hardcover. It may have been this: https://a.co/d/0j5s4Sev but i got mine from Marshalls so not sure if exact but looks very similar. I filled in the notebook and needed a new one so i ordered a new one.

I ordered this: https://a.co/d/0ef2jGEX
This was great because it had a pen but i swapped it out with a sharpie gel pen because that is my go-to. It was small so i can fit it in my pocket. My problem is, 1, i forgot it at work, 2, yes it fits in my pocket but i carry a large wallet in my left pocket and 2 phones (work and personal) in my right. This notebook fits in my left a bit. 3, i would take up about 6-7 pages for the same amount of notes i would fill on 2 pages for the A5 one.

Im not sure if i want the pocket carry efficiency but at the same time i dont want to lug around a larger book.

I am lost on what to do

My main requirements when i look for a notebook is:

1. good finish so wear and tear is not a big issue
2. pen holder is a must
3. 2 bookmark ribbons (1 for current and 2nd for past things i like to keep marked
4. elastic band
5. thick paper

Please help me find a perfect notebook for me