Will I ever get my groove back after having a baby? Some days, I feel like I am there and others I feel like I am stuck in a rut. However, there are some things that work.
Use the Power of Three
If I make a list of everything that I would like to do during the day, it will be a mile long. So, I have to use the “Power of Three” to get things done. By setting my priorities, I am much more likely to get something done.
Visualize Your Ideal Day
As I start my day, I have to think about what I really want to accomplish during that day. It really helps to visualize it. I close my eyes (but not too long to keep from drifting to sleep) and picture the dishes done, the living room clean and three loads of laundry washed, folded and put away. Some of my expectations for myself can be unrealistic – like the kids are not going to be perfect and my house is not going to be spotless – but when I keep a focus on what can actually be done, I can make it happen.
Tackle the Problem Spots
When feel like I am being swallowed in the wreckage left by a large family in a small home, I have to encourage myself by focusing on the most problematic spots first. I look around and see what makes me twitch the most. Then, I clean that first. The satisfaction of seeing one area cleaned helps keep me motivated to do more.
Time Yourself
Recently, I shared about how I am teaching my children time management. The same concept works for me. I let a timer do the talking. Sometimes, I know the baby will only be asleep for an hour and I have to work fast. So, I move as quickly as I can with a timer ticking to get as much done in ten minutes as possible.
Ignore Some of It
Bill likes to work in our bedroom but that actually irritates me because we don’t spend any time in there. If I am there, I am sleeping. So, I would much rather spend my time on the areas of our home where I can see the results during the majority of the day. The rest of it, I ignore. That’s why I have this rule for guests: “If the door is closed, don’t open it.”
Beware of Time Stealers
What are the time traps in your day? Do you sit down to check your email or Facebook and then 30 minutes later realize that you have gotten absorbed by the screen? Maybe that is just me… Regardless of what your traps are, avoid them. If you feel yourself being drawn back to that bestseller, walk the other way. Put the book out of sight. Shut down the computer. Whatever it takes.
Multitask
Often, I am posting deals to my Facebook page or blogging with one hand while I am feeding the baby. (Sorry for any image that just put in your head.) I also catch up on my reading and research or do some Bible study while holding her. I sit next to the kids on the floor while I fold laundry and interact with them while they play. You might not have that type of time available to multitask but there might be other things you can do. Just think about it.
Thanks for the wonderful tips. I’ve been recently using a goal setting app called GoalsOnTrack and it has worked very well. It saves me a lot of time in keeping track of my goals and most importantly it helps me better organize my daily todos towards achieving my goals. You may want to check it out.