I recorded this video months before the COVID-19 pandemic started. However, these productivity tips for new moms are just as applicable to parents who are suddenly forced to work from home, and homeschool their children.
Before the baby I was big on GTD, based on David Allen’s book, Getting Things Done. I was reliant on my bullet journal and I had my miracle morning ritual.
After the baby, I struggled with the fact that I couldn’t get anything done. It wasn’t until I surrendered to listening to my body that I was able to let go what I used to do.
Shelter-in-place is our new reality. When it is lifted, it will probably be done in phases, and it will be months before things go back to “normal”. It’s something we have no control over. The only thing we have control of is our own reaction.
My first tip to realistically getting things done is your mindset. Are you willing to surrender to what we cannot change, and take action on what you can?
Now you may have heard of time chunking or time blocking. If not, it’s scheduling a set time on your calendar and focusing on similar tasks all at once. By focusing on one type of task, you can complete them in a more timely manner than multitasking.
For example, if you jump from making phone calls to writing an article to reading your texts, you will lose time just trying to focus on the task at hand.
My second tip for parents working from home, is to not only do time blocking, but to make large time blocks. For example, for the first three hours in the morning, focus on family – making breakfast, plan for the day, and have the kids start on their schoolwork. While they work, you can focus on your most important project.
The second block is lunch, a family walk, and the plan for the afternoon. The third block, while the kids are on the computer, you can make calls.
Third, set boundaries on when you’ll check your email, voicemail, and texts. By only checking once or twice a day, you can focus on family and work without interruption.
Remember, when you are self-employed, your toughest critic is yourself. Focus on the 20% that will grow your business and let go of the rest.
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