A lazy Mum’s guide to getting stuff done

One of the common things that come through in my coaching sessions with Mums, is the feeling that they should be doing more. At the end of each day, there is a sense of disappointment that their “to do” list isn’t complete; when and if they sit down to take time for themselves, they are filled with guilt.

And … Relax

I had a revelation after one session: I don’t feel like that. I have always considered myself a little lazy. What doesn’t get done by 9pm can wait!
I wanted to share with you an insight into my brain; how my approach to life means that I rarely feel those pangs of frustration of guilt. I have a decade of trial and error since the big-un arrived and I went from “Clara” to “Mum” and all the additional responsibilities that are added to the pile of “Employee – now Business Owner”, “Wife”, “Friend”, “Daughter”, “Sister” and the ad hoc role hats I wear.
There is a disclaimer; my house may not be as tidy as the average and I am still work in progress. But I hope that this insight into how I create balance can help you.
1. First things first
You can do anything but not everything. I prioritise on a daily basis. This isn’t a complicated process, just an internal check asking myself “Is it urgent” and “Is it important”. If I get a “yes” to both, then it needs to get done that day. If it is a “yes” to urgent, then in the next 24 hours, if “yes” to important, then by the end of the week. If this is new concept, take a look at this article about the Eisenhower Decision matrix.
2. Do I need to do it?
This million dollar (or pound) question; do I need to do it? Could someone else do it for me? This isn’t about unloading onto another person, but releasing control. I am a control freak, so this is something that I have had to consciously work on; just because someone else (and someone else I usually mean my Husband or, more recently, my eldest daughter) is going to do this differently, it doesn’t mean that it is wrong.

3. Lower expectations
Some may argue that if I lower my expectations even more, they will be through the floor; but I live by the google attributed rule of 80% is good enough. This is where the 9pm rule (or 8 if I am feeling particularly jaded) comes into play. If I have achieved 80% of what I wanted to do, then I am happy.

4. Be realistic
This is the backbone of a recent article; I am realistic about how much time something will take – in reality I probably over estimate. This means that I only expect to achieve what I CAN achieve in a day. From a work perspective, I pick three important and urgent items to do a day; then one urgent and one important. These are achievable within the time I have on that day and how many hours I actually have free. Give the clock exercise a go and see how much time you really have in a day. You may find that this is the reason you feel so frustrated.
5. Put pressure on yourself
Have you seen the meme “I get more cleaning done in the 10 minutes before someone comes cover that I do in week”? Well, that is my life when it comes to “urgh” tasks. The ones that have to be done for general health and wellbeing, but I would much rather sit down with a cuppa and watch the latest episode of “GIRLS”. I put pressure on myself; I do it in those limited slots of time as it is a “now or never” moment. You will be amazed how much you can get done when you have a deadline immediately looming.
6. Declutter
Declutter your stuff and your mind. Remove the items in your home that make you uncomfortable, take up physical space and make life hard to tidy! Say “No” to things you don’t want to do; reclaim your time and physical space. It is tidying for the soul.
7. Stop beating yourself up!
I don’t get to the end of the day and review what I haven’t done; I think about all the things I have. From putting on a load of washing to securing a new coaching client. When you add up all the small actions you have done during the day, you can see the impact you are having on your career, business and life. Sweat the small stuff, as it really does count!

What one thing will you do differently today to give yourself the “you” time you deserve? Would love to hear from you!