A Skill Every Busy Mom NEEDS

Feeling busy Mama? I hear you! We are deep into the school year and between work, kids and all the up-coming holidays if life isn’t crazy for you now, it soon will be.

So what skill should you have? Be Present.

For the love of all that’s holy, please STOP multi-tasking. You might think you are good at it, but you are NOT. Even worse, it’s robbing you of the simple joys of life like noticing and appreciating what you are doing, enjoying the moment and creating lasting memories.

If you are always on your phone while “watching” your kids play instead of paying attention when they yell “watch this,” what do you think they will remember? Mom on her phone, not Mom watching me.

Studies show we aren’t as productive when we multi-task as we think we are and in fact, it takes us longer to get things done. (http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/09/health/your-brain-multitasking/index.html; http://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2014/10/08/multitasking-damages-your-brain-and-career-new-studies-suggest/#6aa05caf2c16)

If you are accustomed to being a “power multi-tasker” this isn’t going to be easy, so be gentle with yourself and start slow.

A few ideas to get you started:

When you catch yourself doing multiple things at once, stop one immediately
Set yourself up for success. Put your phone AWAY when you are with the kids. Or driving. Or in a meeting.
When working on a project, shut off distractions (Facebook anyone?)
Don’t over schedule yourself
Set a timer when you begin a task – it will let your brain know when you can stop focusing and move on to the next task.

What do you think about multi-tasking? I know for most of us it’s become so second nature that the very idea of stopping is a bit scary. Use the next week to give it a try and see if you don’t feel more accomplished and more present in your life by the weekend! Share your experience in the comments – I’d love to hear how it went for you.

Looking for help at being more present in your life? Accomplishing more overall? The women I work with want just that out of life – contact me today and let’s get started creating a life you love!