Effectiveness in parenting, life and business... the easy way

Most people wish they had more time. More time to get things done, to experience all that life has to offer, and more time with those they love. The reality is we all have the same 24 hours in a day, so why is it common to feel left behind, overwhelmed, stretched and like you're always chasing your tail? How do some people achieve so much,  AND make it look effortless?!

I don't know about you, but I hate finishing the day and wondering if I achieved ANYTHING! If you can relate, I first want to reassure you that you're not doing nothing. Not even close, and even on the days when your to-do list gets longer, not shorter. The comfort you provided your child or friend, the food you made (and cleaned up), the running around you did, the being still with your sick kiddo - it all matters.

And speaking of matters, that's how 'those' people seem so effective in their life: they know how to implement efficiency with things and effectiveness with people. This strategy is coined by Stephen Covey. In a nutshell, it's encouraging the effective design and implementation of strategies with things (think routines and essential tasks) while prioritising effectiveness with people. At the end of the day (or your life) what's going to matter more than the way people felt around you? Yep, relationships are vitally important and deserving of your focus. And that includes the way you treat yourself too - just saying ;-)

See, if you're feeling like you're not doing enough, you're exhausted, frustrated or have been feeling blah for way longer than you want, it's likely the areas you're being efficient and effective in could do with some review.

Whether it's parenting, a day at an external workplace or a mile-long list of tasks in front of you, it's easy to feel intimidated with what you have to get done. As the tasks, children's needs and the things you could NOT have predicted begin to pile up, the minutes and hours seem to disappear. Your goal to kick the ball with Mr 3, or sit for a milkshake with Miss 12 are forced aside with a 'soon', 'later', or 'another day, I promise'. The demands of the day swoop in from all sides, knocking you out of alignment.

Now I don't want you berating yourself if you can relate. I'm pretty sure every mum can, but that self-talk isn't what's needed. Instead, try recalling the Steven Covey message:

"Efficiency with things, effectiveness with people" 

It's a mantra and philosophy to bring you back on track. It's the reminder to set yourself, your day and your life up for success. Heck, your children too, but creating a life where your routines and systems create more freedom and connection, rather than tasks taking up your every waking hour! Getting grand-dad to have the kiddos for 2 hours every Sunday so you can food prep might be the saving grace that gives you back your evening sanity. Prepping the house when the children are in bed - candles lit, music, your fave show or a podcast playing - allows you to welcome your mornings with calm, snuggles and connection. These are suggestions, but only you know what will work in your life. Discover what you need to improve or reduce by using our signature coaching framework, EMPOWERED:

1. Dream It: what matters to you, now and in the grand scheme of life?

2. Own It: be honest and compassionately respectful about the stage of life you're in.

3. Live It: what are the things that work and don't work in your days, and what specific choices can you make to align you with how and how you REALLY want to live?

Now you know how to bring more efficiency into your parenting, life or business: be discerning about what requires efficiency and what requires effectiveness. Not everything deserves your time or attention, but only you can decide what does.

Sincerely

Catherine

PS if you want to have more conscious conversations with women committed to growth for themselves and their children, pop over and to the website for more info, freebies or to join my email list. Cheers.