Working Mom Mindset III. Multitasking
I used to think I was nothing short of amazing when I was able to cook dinner, fold laundry, take customer calls and entertain the kids all at the same time. Everything had to be done perfectly and on time, no balls dropped. The kids were young and required a lot of attention. I had to take my customer calls because I needed to deliver exemplary customer service-they depended on me. Dinner wasn’t going to cook itself.
So, I was checking all the boxes but sacrificing my sanity at the same time. I was working hard, not smart. When we’re doing multiple things at once, we aren’t doing any one thing to the best of our ability. I wasn’t totally engaged with my children nor was I totally paying attention to what I was putting into the pasta sauce.
You see, we miss things when we stretch ourselves. We miss details, we miss play time-we miss the beauty in each fleeting moment.
How could I have changed things so I wasn’t totally overwhelmed by it all? How could I have dedicated 100% to each area? By prioritizing my day.
We have non-negotiables, which just means things we have to do each day and recognizing them is key. These could be work related or for personal fulfillment, and they could be the same or different each day. When you wake up, ask yourself, “What do I need to feel accomplished? What do I need to feel happy? What do I need to decrease my stress level?” Those are 1, 2 & 3 on your list.
If making dinner after a long day of work isn’t high on your list, then don’t do it! You can always put that at the top tomorrow. It’s all about balance. And sanity.
Work can wait also. We put an immense amount of pressure on ourselves to get everyone what they need immediately because we live in a world where instant gratification is a way of life, but you’re not Amazon. Your customers, boss and colleagues can all wait, and you can do this by setting the right expectations with them. Let them know you’re working on it and will get it to them as soon as possible. You don’t have to answer every call, every time. Take a beat. They’re going to survive.
If we commit 100% to our present states, then we don’t have to multitask. And by doing so, you’ll find life is a lot more enjoyable.
“If you’re always racing to the next moment, what happens to the one you’re in?”
-Nanette Mathews
xo, Court
