We all know what multitasking is so I won't belabor that definition. However, I want to ask if you are multitasking effectively? Are you on the phone while reading email, checking on the status of an order, chatting in an instant message window and jotting down a grocery list? How does that kind of multitasking make you feel? I know when I do this, not one of those items are done to the best of my ability. No where close! So here's a new way to think and execute multitasking.
"... the first action is suspended and the time can be filled with a second activity. The goal is to be productive, not exhausted." Regina Leeds, OYTAOL, pg. 78
A few examples from my life: (a)While supper is simmering on the stove, I wash up the dishes from the previous meal(s). Or I hang/fold a load of laundry. (b)While the coffee is brewing in the morning, I start the days washing, clear the dining room table or get the baby dressed for the day. (c) While folding laundry I catch up with my sil on the phone.
Delegating
I'm learning the fine art of delegation. :) I have two little girls who are starting to take over a good number of the "mundane" tasks around the house. And they are doing so very cheerfully (most days). We are learning to work together as a family, so that I'm not so worn out. There are many things that children can do to help around the house. Right now my 3, 6 and 7 year old girls help with or do independently the following chores:
- put clean dishes away
- make their beds
- put their clothes away
- tidy up their toys and books and papers
- set, clear and wash the table after each meal
- sweep the floor
- sort laundry - lights, darks, towels, blankets
- clear the cat litter
- scrub the toilet, wash the sink
- change the trash and take it to the curb
- wash dishes
- take out one load and re-fill the washer
- put away groceries
I'm sure there is more too. They are great helpers and this frees me to change diapers, make meals (they like to help with this lots!), feed and bathe babies among the many other tasks required of me. I am learning to delegate without micromanaging.
Saying No to "Outside Things" and Electronics
This one I've learned well. Sometimes I think I say no to too many things, but at the same time, my family takes almost all the time and energy I have. I believe this is where I am supposed to be, where I want to be and I know it is a season in my life. One day I'll be able to re-examine my list of "dos" and maybe add more "outside things" to that list.
I love my computer and my cell phone and my land line and my mp3 player. They are all great tools, but one of my biggest struggles is the use of these tools. So many times I find that the tool is using me; I'm not using the tool. Know what I mean? I'm learning. I turned of my email notification in the bottom right hand corner of my computer screen. I stopped most of the e-newsletters I was getting. I left a number of yahoo groups, keeping just the ones I actively participate in. I guess the computer is the biggest time "eater" for me. On phones - I don't answer every call. If I'm busy with one of the kids, I have learned to ignore the ring. Or I'll check the call display (another tool) and call the person back at a more convenient time. I use the features (call display and voicemail) we pay for now.
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This coming week is about making a plan in our office areas and week four is putting that plan into action.
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Some things I've been working on decluttering are the top of the tv stand and the homeschool shelving unit. See pictures below. Before pictures can be found here.
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