Being a mom is a full-time job in itself, and when you add a career and other responsibilities to the mix, it can feel like there’s never enough time in the day.
As a working mom, I understand the struggles of balancing work, family, and personal life.
That’s why I was excited to attend a presentation by productivity expert Alicia Cohen, where she shared valuable insights on how to improve productivity through mindset shifts and practical strategies.
I’ll share key takeaways from Alicia’s presentation and how they’ve helped me manage my time more effectively.
Mindset Matters
Alicia stressed the importance of mindset when it comes to productivity. She explained that before implementing any strategies, it’s crucial to address the mindset issues that may be holding us back.
One common mindset challenge is the belief that there’s never enough time.
Alicia identified three behaviors associated with this mindset:
- waiting for more time to magically appear
- victimizing oneself with excuses
- and being stubborn about time constraints.
To overcome this mindset, Alicia suggested making a shift in perspective.
Instead of waiting for more time, she advised optimizing the time we do have. This can be done through implementing routines, systems, and apps to make our time more efficient.
By taking control of our time and making proactive choices, we can avoid chronic disappointment and achieve greater productivity.
Dealing with Distractions
Distractions are a common challenge for working moms.
Alicia categorized distractions into two types: internal (mental) and external (environmental).
Internal distractions include constant mental chatter, while external distractions can be cluttered spaces, interruptions from family members, or constantly putting out fires.
To tackle internal distractions, Alicia recommended implementing a to-do list management system with ongoing brain dumps.
This involves regularly capturing our thoughts and tasks and organizing them systematically. This not only helps clear our minds but also ensures that important tasks are not forgotten.
For external distractions, Alicia suggested taking baby steps to declutter our physical space.
She advised starting by decluttering one small area at a time and gradually working our way through our entire space.
Setting boundaries with family members can also help minimize interruptions.
Communicating our need for uninterrupted time and providing alternative activities for family members during our designated work time can help set clear boundaries.
Prioritization
Prioritization is key to effective time management.
Alicia outlined a three-step approach to prioritization:
- knowing our season
- getting clear on our to-do list
- and using the Eisenhower Matrix.
Knowing our season refers to understanding our personal circumstances and priorities at any given time. This can help us align our tasks with our current priorities.
Getting clear on our to-do list involves organizing our tasks in a systematic way.
Alicia recommended using a to-do list management system to keep track of our tasks and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
The Eisenhower Matrix is a useful tool for categorizing tasks based on their urgency and importance. This can help us prioritize our tasks and focus on what truly matters.
Mastering mom productivity requires a combination of mindset shifts and practical strategies.
By addressing mindset issues, dealing with distractions, and prioritizing effectively, you can achieve greater productivity and balance in their lives.
Implementing Alicia’s mindset approach can help you unlock your full potential and thrive in both your personal and professional lives.
LISTEN: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | STITCHER
Links Mentioned in This Episode
- Sync Your Season Primer Mini-Workbook: https://aliciacohen.krtra.com/t/QlGFJpskPY9c
- Power-Up Your Productivity: https://aliciacohen.krtra.com/t/e16UXWaD4EoQ
- The Only To-Do List System You Need to Get Your Busy Life Under Control TODAY! (free workshop): https://aliciacohen.krtra.com/t/Zgvr0Tq26PYf
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