Number 1 Reason You’re Busy but Not Productive

If you’re busy but not productive it’s because you have KIDS!!!

THE END!!!!! I can’t offer you help, hope, or anything in between because I’m in the same boat. The boat that’s circling round and around getting nowhere…. not sinking, but not really going anywhere fast.

Lost in the Bermuda Triangle of Motherhood

My boat is filled with toys, books, diapers, laundry, grocery shopping, play dates, and a teeny tiny port hole I get to stick my head out when the kiddos take a nap. A 1-hour window of hope where I get to take a few big breaths of fresh air to plug away at my to do list then I’m back in action rowing in circles; being productive with my day, but never really getting anything done.

My “To Do” list is massive. My “Honey Do” list is even bigger. Lately I’m so desperate to feel like I’m actually accomplishing something in a day, other than surviving and keeping my kids alive, that I’ve started writing down my daily tasks just so I can cross something off the list!! Pathetic I KNOW!! Cathartic… definitely!!!!

To Do List

Wake up and feed the kids…. CHECK, CHECK!

Change dirty bums…. CHECK CHECK eewwww!

Those minuscule, seemingly insignificant check marks make me feel like an everyday superwoman.

“Taming twin toddlers and dirty bums since 2015!”

Escaping the endless cycle of being busy

The weeks I have my act together (who am I kidding, I have a few good days a month at best… but I’m thinking positive here) I feel productive. For me, the definition of productivity is getting a task complete from start to finish. Having young kids seems to make this task impossible!! So many things get started, but very few ever get the final check of completion because you’re always getting interrupted or pulled in so many different directions.

But not anymore! I’m done going in circles, repeating the same tasks every darn day yet never actually accomplishing anything. So, over these past two years of very insightful motherhood I devised 3 simple steps to turn my paddle boat of insanity into a speed boat of productivity to finally get things done!

 

Step 1: Ditch the kids

Put more nicely, ask grandma and grandpa (the ones who begged and pestered you to have kids before you were even married… ahem!) to watch the kids while you and your husband tackle your to do list. Since this tactic only works if you use it infrequently, be sure to pick the biggest or most important tasks you need to get done. If this doesn’t work, go to step 2.

 

Step 2: Get your kids involved

Age can be a huge obstacle with getting your kids involved, so you need to be super creative. BUT kids can and should help out with things around the house. My opinion…. but it should be yours too (lol but secretly I’m serious). I read a great post lately that talked about why kids shouldn’t be paid for doing chores. Children should be expected to pitch in because that’s what it means to be a part of a family. Not because their is a reward associated with completing a chore. I know, I know I’m a rookie mom with only 2 years under my belt, but that theory sounds good to me. I’m sticking to my guns with this one.

My boys love to clean. Literally love it. They will throw a fit if they see the vacuum but aren’t allowed to use it. Right now they help me with vacuuming, dusting, cleaning up spills and messes. Wiping “accidental” crayon colouring off the floor, carrying their bottles out of their room, taking their bibs to the table, and the list goes on and on and they are not quite 2 yet. I’m not telling this to you to brag about how awesome my kids and I are, but to show you what’s possible. They love to help because I make it fun. I don’t expect perfection and I definitely don’t expect anything to be done in a timely manner, because NOTHING WITH TODDLERS IS EVER TIMELY!!!

 

Step 3: Make a list, make a list, make a list!

Did I mention to make a list? If you’re not a list girl I get it… well actually I don’t! I’ve been making lists since before I can remember. I even consulted my list of “Desirable Qualities I Want In A Husband,” after the first few dates with my now hubby of almost 5 years. Cheesy I know, but it helped me remember what’s important.

That’s what lists do, they give you perspective about what’s important. If you’re anything like me, lists can really help you feel like you’ve actually accomplished something in a day. Some days as a mom you just need that little reminder that you’re awesome amidst the business of motherhood!

 

Well, that’s all the wisdom 2 years of motherhood has taught me about being productive. Amidst the mundane business of being a mom I actually forgot to make a list about improving my productivity!!

If you have any tips that help you accomplish something in a day, I’d love to hear what you do! And let me know if you’re a list girl, it would be nice to know I’m not the only one.