Over time, I realized my results weren’t necessarily the norm. Although I knew plenty of other working Moms who also just did whatever it took to get it done, I noticed they were struggling and working around the clock. The way they were “just doing it” was more about lighting the candle from each end rather than burning brightly.
I noticed that the incredible women around me were giving up every ounce of themselves to parenting and working – leaving nothing for themselves.
My coaching clients face the same struggles. They find themselves busy and overwhelmed. They have no time to escape a toxic job, build their book of business, explore their hobbies, or launch a side hustle. Our first step in working together is ALWAYS to create more time. To leverage their strengths, eliminate distractions, define the work only they can do and focus on it squarely, and to ruthlessly prioritize their goals.
Sure, I have my struggles and experience stressful seasons, but for the most part, I’ve been able to thrive while juggling “all the things.” How?
I shamelessly take back my time, over and over again, by building awareness, developing habits, and creating systems that support my success.
Building awareness of my Strengths & leaning into them at home and work
Are you incredible at conflict resolution at work? Or time management? Maybe your zone of genius at the office is focused on solving complex problems? Instead of leaving those incredible skills at work, bring them home and lean into them.
When you lean into your strengths, you create momentum to change the environment around you. Suddenly your home is running smoother, and your family dynamic has improved. You can also encourage your family members to lean into their own strengths to create a productive dynamic. The more everyone can focus on what they do best, the smoother your home runs, and the more time everyone has to do what they love.
Developing the habit of asking, “Do I need to do this?”
Some people are suffering under the weight of Atlas trying to do all.the.things. They constantly worry that they will be seen as weak or incompetent if they let others help them. They fear missing out on opportunities. They have very high standards are are certain that no one else can meet them. Sound familiar?
These thought patterns are a habit and can be broken by asking yourself: Do I need to do this? If the answer is no and someone else is capable of doing the task, let them. As a general rule, I focus on the work that only I can do and let others handle everything else. I task my children with a broad range of responsibilities, from weeding the garden to washing the car. I task my husband with cooking dinner and washing the dishes. I have my VA handle invoicing, routine communications, contracts, and scheduling. And, I take friends up on their offers to help with childcare and errands.
It really does take a village.
Creating systems and processes to support my success
There’s almost zero chance you’ll get ahead and carve out that time you’re craving without systems and processes to get you there. Instead of drowning in work, other people were perfectly capable of doing for me, I worked with my paralegal and administrative assistant at my law firm to systematize my morning. By the time I sat down in my chair, I knew exactly what my priorities were and could dig into doing deep brain work immediately.
Now, I work with my VA and Copywriter to develop standard operating procedures for Wayfinders so I can focus my attention on serving my clients.
I shamelessly protect my time.
Ask my family and friends, and they’ll tell you I’m absolutely shameless about protecting my time and using it wisely. I’m thrilled to be with my family, clients, friends, and volunteer in my community. The time I make for myself is precious and I don’t want to waste a moment of it.
What if I can help you reclaim an hour every day?