Here we are. It's 2020. Females across the country are dialing in on being #BossBabe or #goalgetter. Our empowerment no longer comes from the burning of bras (thank God). We are inundated with the direct sales bosses of America. From spices to cookware, books and skin care, we don't need to leave the house again! Well, Amazon Prime could make us all hermits. But I digress.
In this world of achievement, I have found that I too want to rule the day, rather than let it rule me. I have decided that this year I want to focus on efficiency. I know, I know, many of you probably think that's been my focus for years. It has been a thought, but not a focus as it should be. Why should I focus on efficiency? I'm home all day, right? And if something doesn't get done all will still be alright. I know those words. There are many that want to clap me on the back for what I do, but the truth of it is, there are too many hours spent on Facebook, wandering the kitchen, and pondering what I will do when I finally do something. Recently I have decided to shift my focus. I felt like too many times I was overwhelmed and busy. I had laundry waiting on me that I would do in between running around and clients. I would be waiting until dinner time to clean the floors because time just slipped away. Or, my favorite, I spent too much time helping my kids with their schoolwork to get my work done. That is literally the definition of homeschooling. Ugh. That guilt is what motivated me to rethink my priorities. Since shifting my focus, I have found my afternoons filled with hopscotch, walks, and a sense of rest. Don't get me wrong, I am horribly confused when I have time to just sit in front of the TV with the kids, but it feels great. So how did I shift? We all know that my kids are the priority. If they weren't I would have walked their booties to the school already and enjoyed a cup of coffee before a run while the sun is actually up. But just because they were at my table didn't mean they got first pick. Too often I would say the words, "Just skip it. I need to get some work done." My menial work, which may (Lord willing) expand into greatness at some point but has not produced the fruit yet was getting my first choice. So, do I sit and wait for them to say, "I need help?" Heck no! I get to work! But I now start with the things I can't take with me. For example, I know that I have a minimum of two hours of work outside with clients. I know I have a minimum of 25 minutes of driving time. I have a chore list of dishes and laundry. Neither of those can be done while I'm working or driving. So, they get moved up. However, even as I fold laundry, if one of them needs my un-devoted attention, they get it. Their education is more important than folded boxer shorts. Once school is secured and locked down, I can focus on things like laundry and dishes. If those are completed, then I get the chance to move onto my work. One thing I have found is that if it is computer based, do it first! I have spent a few nights at the dance studio with my laptop, and let me tell you - I hate it. I hate bringing it with me. I hate the idea that some child might knock it and make me lose my grip. I hate thinking that I might set it down to help one of my children and find it on the floor busted up. It's added stress that is completely unnecessary. So, as I type this blog, there is laundry folded, laundry in the dryer, laundry in the washing machine. Two children are sitting and working on either side of me while I type. I'm ready for whatever questions they ask. Yes, this was interrupted a few times. The first interruption was folding laundry. The many interruptions after were school based. But, this is about wrapped up and I won't have to bring my laptop anywhere. Phew. Last week I brought up the concept of giving your best to those who deserve it most. Being efficient can also work for giving your best. My time is focused on who it should be focused on, when it is most necessary. I then have time to read and write during dance classes or Tae Kwon Do. I can get my work done while the ones who need my attention are busy doing what they love. Is it a sacrifice to have a pile of work to do later in the afternoon, sure. But is it worth it? Without a doubt. I want to give my best and do my best. My efficiency has led to more fun, more snuggles, and less stress for all three of us. Less stress means more of the best.
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May 2023
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