i’m probably the worst when it comes to staying focused on what i’m working on. If you’re a mom, you’re probaby familiar with the term “mom brain.” Mine started when I was pregnant and is still holding on strong. I am a work-at-home mom as a freelance graphic designer. I usually only have a few hours of work to do each day, but every day can be a struggle.
It’s definitely not easy, but it’s imporatnt to me to have this in my life so I make time for it. Every time i have work to do, i sit down at my desk with every intention of getting something done. But, so many times, I get all geared up to work and low and behold i get distracted…
You’ve thought thsese to yourself or heard them right?
“oh, let’s just catch up on my instastories”
“oh, let me check the weather real quick”
“oh shoot, i forgot to eat lunch”
“mommy, i’m hungry”
“mommy, I need help”
the list goes on and on.
So it’s a work in progress, but i’ve come up with a few tips to help keep you stay focused on your work so you can actually accomplish something.
BEFORE YOU START WORKING:
1. Make a quick brain dump
Make a quick list of what you actually NEED to accomplish that day or sitting. That way you know what you need to focus on. I like to print out any emails and gather all of the information from my list so I have everything in front of me to get started quicker.
2. Take a potty break
You know i’m a mom when i say “potty!” So often I finally sit down to work and realize I need to use the restroom. This one isn’t an interruption that takes long, but is one non the less that will make you have to get up again.
3. Do a few quick tasks around the house
I’m the type of person who has trouble sitting down to work when the house is a wreck. I like to do a quick sweep through and clear major clutter and maybe get a few chores doing like laundry or dishes. That way i don’t feel like I have these things waiting for me when i’m done. If these things don’t bug you, then skip this one!
4. Get the kids focused on something
If you have kids, do a quick assessment of their current needs. Do they need a snack or drink? Get out a few activities they can do on their own or throw on a movie. You’ll still have a few inturruptions just because they’re well…kids, but doing a little preparation should help minimize having to break from your work. And of course, if you have a child under 3 or so, they might not stay focused on a movie and duh!, don’t leave a baby alone, unless of course, it’s nap time!
5. Check your internet
We live out on the edge of our town, so our only option is sattelite internet which isn’t always reliable. Often I’ve sat down to work on something due that day and my internet froze up. I had to restart my modem and it took important time away from my work time. If you have sketchy internet, take a quick peek at your modem to make sure things are working smoothly.
WHILE YOU’RE WORKING
1. Listen to music
What I put some music on, It helps silence the chatter in my head interrupting what I’m doing to remind me of something else I need to get done.
2. Put your phone away (unless it’s connected to the music)
My phone is a huge distraction most of the time for me. I feel like I need to take breaks to check any current instastories, but what that does it break any momentum I had going and I have to start all over.
3. Bring a Snack
Get a snack to two ready or eat something before you start. One thing that will make me lose focus fast is having a growling stomach. I CANNOT concentrate when I’m hungry.
4. Write down those interrupting thoughts
Keep a notepad with you while you’re working to jot down those little thoughts that may pop up reminding you what you need to grab from the store or that bill you need to get paid. That way you can get them on paper and out of your head so you can get back to what’s important and you can deal with the rest later.
And there you have it, that’s my list. When I try to take 15/20 minutes to go through this list, I find that I am much more productive. Most of these might be no brainers to some of you, but sometimes these little things take some of the focus away from whatever job you’re trying to get done. I find that if I get prepared before I sit down to work, I can work for longer periods of time, even having kids at home.
I’d love to hear how these tips are working for you and if you have any others to share!
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