Lyn Bailey – Life by Design

Author: Lyn Bailey

  • How Much Are Distractions Costing You

    How Much Are Distractions Costing You

    You probably think you’re pretty good at multitasking. After all, you can text and walk simultaneously, right? Wrong! My daughter was doing this walking to uni one day, and didn’t notice the pothole in the road. She ended up breaking her ankle as she fell into said pothole! So, unfortunately, when it comes to multitasking, it’s more likely to cost you time and money than to save it.

    A study conducted by the University of California, Irvine found that it takes the average person 23 minutes to recover from one interruption and get back to the task at hand. And if you’re interrupted multiple times, that number can go up exponentially.

    So, how much are distractions costing you at work?

    Let’s say you’re interrupted three times an hour. That’s an hour of productive time lost every eight hours, or the equivalent of losing a whole day of work every week. And that’s just for starters.

    You will make mistakes if you constantly try to juggle multiple tasks. For instance, a study by the University of Pennsylvania found that people who were interrupted made 50% more errors than those who were not.

    And those errors can cost you, both in terms of time spent fixing them and in terms of lost business. In fact, the AICPA conducted a study that discovered that one in four businesses lost revenue due to employee mistakes. You may even be passed over for promotion due to last-minute completion of work.

    Research has repeatedly and consistently found that multitasking is not feasible with human cognitive functioning (Jeong & Hwang, 2016; Madore & Wagner, 2019). To take this one step further, in one study, only 2.4 percent of participants were found to be able to multitask effectively (Watson & Strayer, 2010). And most fascinating, Sanbonmatsu et al. (2013) reported that people who think they are good at multitasking are actually not good at it!

    Sometimes It’s The Office; Sometimes, It’s You

    Sometimes the distractions are not due to how your workplace is set up but how you use your time. When you’re constantly checking your phone or taking calls, your boss may not view you as fully focused on your work. After all, spending too much time socializing with co-workers or browsing the internet takes away from productive work time.

    To avoid these distractions, you must be mindful of your time management and focus while at work. For example, when coworkers want to chit-chat when you’re trying to get work done, you can politely say that you’re busy and need to focus on your work.

    You can also try working in a different area where fewer people are around to distract you. Finally, if the chit-chatting is bothering you, you can talk to your boss or HR about setting some boundaries with your coworkers.

    There are less aggressive things you can do even in an open office that gets the message across, such as posting a sign near your cubical or work area, or if you have an office door, shut it and put up a sign that you’re focusing on work right now to make an appointment.

    Next time you’re tempted to answer that text, check your email or chat with coworkers in the middle of a work task, think about how much it’s costing you. But, on the other hand, the thought of the cost might be enough to make you focus better on working. Distractions may cost your company a lot of money, but they also cost you in the long run if you miss out on important promotions, raises, or the respect you deserve.

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  • Save Money with a Minimalism Mindset

    Save Money with a Minimalism Mindset

    An effective way to save money with a minimalist mindset is to focus on experiences instead of material things. Of course, you don’t need to forgo all your possessions and live a life of austerity. It’s just about making mindful decisions to spend your money on experiences that will bring you lasting joy instead of things that will quickly lose their appeal.

    But there are numerous ways to save money with a minimal mindset. Here are a few:

    • Start with your wardrobe — Most of us have clothes we never wear. Go through your clothes and remove anything you haven’t worn in the last year. Donate these items to a local charity.
    • Cut back on eating out — It’s easy to spend $50 or more when you go out to eat. Instead, cook at home more often. You’ll save money and likely eat healthier as well.
    • Cancel unused subscriptions — If you have magazine or newspaper subscriptions, you no longer read, cancel them. The same goes for any streaming services or memberships you’re not using.
    • Give back to your community — Volunteer your time or donate money to a worthy cause. It feels good to help others. You’ll also save money by avoiding costly nights and accumulating more material possessions.
    • Get rid of your car — This one may not be possible for everyone, but if you get rid of your vehicle, you will save on insurance, gas, and maintenance costs.
    • Use coupons and shop sales — Look for coupons and deals when you need to buy something and only shop when you’ve planned.
    • Reduce your energy consumption — This could mean turning off lights when you leave a room, turning down the heat, or investing in energy-efficient appliances.
    • Live in a smaller home — If you own a home, consider downsizing to a smaller one to reduce your mortgage or rent payments and save on energy costs.
    • Make time for the things you love — If you’re passionate about something, find ways to incorporate it into your life without spending a lot of money. For example, look for free trails near you instead of a gym membership if you love hiking.
    • Spend time with loved ones — One of the most precious things in life is time, so make sure to spend it wisely. Instead of buying them material gifts, spend time with them instead. Go on a walk, have a picnic in the park, or stay in and chat. These are the moments they’ll remember and cherish, not the things you bought them.
    • Get rid of your debt — This is an obvious way to save money. Pay it off as quickly as possible if you have high-interest debt, such as credit card debt. I got rid of my credit cards a couple of years ago. It has saved me an enormous amount of money! Now, I have to think twice about spending, as I can only spend what I already have, not my future earnings.
    • Invest in yourself — This could include taking courses to improve your career prospects or investing in a side hustle, but it can also be about experiences. For example, take a cooking class, learn a new language, or pick up a new hobby.
    • Automate your finances — Set up automatic payments for your bills and savings to let go of a bit of mental clutter and make it less likely to miss a payment or forget to save.
    • Make a budget – Review your expenses, make a budget, and stick to it. Budgets keep you on track with your spending and saving goals.
    • Save for retirement — If you don’t have a retirement savings account, start one as soon as possible. It will add up over time, even if you can only save a little each month.
    • Invest in memories, not things — Instead of buying new car or designer clothes, put that money towards a once-in-a-lifetime trip or an unforgettable experience. You’ll be much happier looking back on memories than material possessions.

    By focusing on experiences instead of things, you can save money, declutter your life, and live a more fulfilling existence. So next time you’re tempted to spend money on something that will quickly lose its appeal, consider investing in an experience instead.

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  • Minimalism Habits to Adopt

    Minimalism Habits to Adopt

    There are many ways to live a minimalist lifestyle. Some people choose to live with less stuff, while others focus on simplifying their daily routines. Regardless of your approach, there are several key habits that all minimalists should adopt to simplify their lives.

    1. Let go of stuff you don’t need

    One of the most critical minimalist habits is letting go of items you no longer need or use. It’s easy to accrue a lot of stuff you don’t need. Getting rid of these items can declutter your home and simplify your life.

    2. Don’t be afraid to say no

    Many people feel like they have to say yes to everything. But this isn’t always necessary and can lead to an overly complicated life. If you don’t want to do something or don’t have the time, it’s okay to say no.

    3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

    Another essential habit is not being afraid to ask for help when needed. Many try to do everything independently, but this isn’t always possible or necessary. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask a friend, family member, or professional for assistance.

    4. Be patient

    Patience is hard to come by sometimes. People often want things immediately. But sometimes, good things come to those who wait. So instead of rushing into things, take your time and enjoy the journey.

    5. Be organized

    Being organized doesn’t mean that you must live in an immaculate home with hotel vibes. But it does mean taking the time to declutter your space and put things in order. In addition, being organized helps you save time and stress because you don’t have to waste time looking for stuff.

    6. Don’t sweat the small stuff

    Some sound advice for wannabe minimalists is not to sweat the small stuff. In other words, don’t let the little things stress you out. If something minor goes wrong, don’t dwell on it. Just let it go and move on.

    7. Live in the present

    Instead of focusing on the future or dwelling on the past, focus on the here and now. Living in the present will help you enjoy your life more and reduce stress.

    8. Be grateful

    Build a habit of gratefulness for what you have instead of worrying about what you don’t have. This will help you appreciate the good things in your life and be more content with what you have, which will possibly help make it easier for you to stop buying more stuff.

    9. Simplify your wardrobe

    Instead of having a lot of clothes that you never wear, focus on quality over quantity. Keep only the items you love and know you’ll wear. Consider choosing only two or three colors so everything matches or learning about capsule wardrobes.

    10. Enjoy the journey

    Minimalism is said to be a lifestyle, not a destination. Therefore, focusing on the end goal instead of what you are doing right now is a mistake. Instead, focus on enjoying the process. Appreciate the simplicity of your life and the things you can do because of it.

    Adopting these habits will help you simplify your life and live a more minimalist lifestyle. But remember, minimalism requires that you enjoy the entire journey of your life in all areas of your life, not just the part where you accumulate stuff.

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  • Improve Your Relationships by Embracing Minimalism

    Improve Your Relationships by Embracing Minimalism

    Improve Your Relationships by Embracing Minimalism

    Minimalism is a movement not advocating for doing without and suffering. It’s more about keeping only the things around that you really need to reduce clutter – in your mind and your environment.

    Minimalism benefits relationships in many ways. Besides freeing up time to be together because neither of you is chasing more stuff, minimalism and living a decluttered life are many ways to improve your relationships.

    If you are ready to take your first step to minimising your life, then click HERE to access your  FREE checklist –Embracing Minimalism for a More Organized Life

    Follow it and you will start to see immediate changes in your life and relationships.

    1. You’ll have more time for the people you care about.

    When you’re not held down by stuff, you can focus on the things that really matter, like your relationships. Spending more time with folks you care about will help to strengthen those bonds and make them even more special. Almost nothing can replace time as a relationship builderImprove Your Relationships by Embracing Minimalism

    2.You’ll be less stressed.

    Money issues often cause stress. If you have less stuff, you often have fewer money issues. When you’re not constantly worrying about your property, you’ll have more energy and headspace to focus on the essential things in life. This improves your relationships because when you can focus on the relationship, stress is reduced, and you’ll be more present and available for conversations and quality time.

    3. You’ll be more mindful.

    Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, which can be challenging to achieve when you’re bogged down by worrying about stuff. However, minimalism promotes mindfulness, as it encourages you to focus on the things most important to you – typically your relationships. Being more mindful in your relationships leads to more meaningful conversations and connections with the people in your life.

    4. You’ll be more grateful.

    Gratitude is another crucial aspect of mindfulness, and it’s something that can be difficult to cultivate when you’re surrounded by clutter. However, when you declutter your life and get rid of the things you don’t need, you will start to appreciate the things you do have. This includes the people in your life who are always there for you. Showing gratitude makes your relationships better and makes them even stronger.

    5. You’ll be more authentic.

    Many people put up walls because they’re afraid of being hurt or rejected. However, these walls can end up hurting your relationships because they’re not authentic. When you’re honest and authentic with the people in your life, you create more profound and meaningful connections with them. Minimalism allows you to be more authentic by freeing you from the things holding you back and homing in on what’s important – people, not things.

    6. You’ll have more fun.

    When you’re not weighed down by stuff, you’ll be able to enjoy activities and experiences with the people you love. This creates lasting memories with loved ones and deepens the bonds between you and those you care about.

    Minimalism is enormously beneficial, but one of the best benefits is that it will improve your relationships. If you want to declutter your life of stuff and start fresh, consider adopting a minimalist lifestyle. You might be surprised by how much embracing a minimalistic lifestyle improves your relationships of all kinds.

    If you are ready to take your first step to minimising your life, then click HERE to access your  FREE checklist –Embracing Minimalism for a More Organized Life

     

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  • How Minimalism Can Make You a Happier Person

    How Minimalism Can Make You a Happier Person

    There are many ways in which minimalism makes people happier. For one, it can declutter your life and help you focus on what’s important. A minimalist lifestyle can also simplify your life and help you save money.

    Additionally, minimalism can help you appreciate your things and find contentment in a less materialistic way of life. Many people think having more stuff will make them happier, but this is often not the case.

    In today’s highly advertised world, people are constantly bombarded with ads and material possessions. It is hard sometimes to differentiate between needs and wants because advertisements rain down on you no matter where you are.

    However, despite the ads, more and more people are finding that minimalism – living with less – can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life.

    A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people with fewer possessions are less likely to experience anxiety and depression.

    Minimalism can lead to greater happiness in several ways.

    • You’ll have less to worry about — When you have fewer possessions, there’s less to keep track of and less to worry about keeping safe.

    • You’ll have more time — With less stuff to take care of, you’ll have more time to focus on the things that are important to you. You can spend more time with family and friends, pursue your hobbies, or relax.

    • You’ll save money — When you live minimally, you naturally spend less, and you won’t have the urge to keep up with the latest trends or buy things you don’t really need.

    • You’ll be more organized — With fewer things to keep track of, you’ll be more likely to stay organized. You won’t have to search for things as often, and you’ll have more space to keep things tidy.

    • You’ll have less clutter — Clutter can be a source of stress for many people. When you live minimally, you’ll have less clutter in your home and your life.

    • You’ll be more mindful — Minimalism encourages you to be more conscious of your possessions and how you use them. As a result, you’ll start to appreciate the things you have more.

    • You’ll be less stressed — With less to worry about and more time to relax, you’ll likely feel less stressed overall. Minimalism can help you to lead a more peaceful life.

    When you declutter your life and live with less, you’ll be surprised at how much happier you are. When you have more time and energy for the things you love, you’ll be less burdened by material possessions.

    Plus, there is scientific evidence to support the idea that minimalism makes people happier, so why not embrace minimalism to become happier? You don’t have to do without to be more of a minimalist. Minimalism is not about doing without in any way. It’s about finding and using the right resources and tools and keeping them organized and ready in a clutter-free way.

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  • Things Highly Efficient People Have in Common

    Things Highly Efficient People Have in Common

    You probably know at least one highly efficient person. They always seem to have everything under control and always seem to get things done on time, if not early. They never seem to be frazzled or stressed and always seem to have a plan.

    What is their secret? What do highly efficient people have in common? Let’s take a look and learn what they have in common because when you know what they do, you can learn to be like them.

    They Set Priorities

    Highly efficient people know what is essential and what isn’t. They set priorities and stick to them. This allows them to focus their time and energy on the things that matter most and get them done quickly.

    They Make Lists

    Making lists helps you become more organized and efficient. Highly efficient people make lists of the things they need to do, and then they use those lists to plan their time and get things done.

    They Delegate

    Highly efficient people know that they can’t do everything themselves. They delegate tasks to others to make sure that everything gets done. This frees up their time to focus on what they are good at and need their attention.

    They Don’t Procrastinate

    Procrastination is the enemy of efficiency. Highly efficient people don’t put off the things they need to do. Instead, they get them done as soon as possible to move on to the next thing.

    They Focus

    Highly efficient people know how to focus. They can tune out distractions and zero in on the task at hand. This allows them to get things done quickly and without mistakes.

    They Take Breaks

    Highly efficient people know that they can’t work all the time. They take breaks to rest and rejuvenate. This allows them to return to their work refreshed and ready to be productive.

    They Set Goals

    Highly efficient people know where they want to be and set goals to get there. This gives them something to work towards and helps them stay on track.

    They Stay Organized

    Highly efficient people are organized. They know where everything is, and they have a system for everything. This helps them waste less time looking for things and keeps them on track.

    They Say No

    Highly efficient people know how to say no. They know they can’t do everything and aren’t afraid to turn down requests that will take them away from their goals.

    They Simplify

    Highly efficient people know that complicated things take longer and are more likely to have problems. They simplify as much as possible to save time and energy.

    They Prioritize Their Time

     

    Highly efficient people know that time is their most precious resource. They use their time wisely and make sure they spend it on the things most important to them.

    Don’t compare yourself judgmentally with these commonalities highly efficient people have in common. Instead, figure out how to incorporate their attitude and mindset into your own life so you can also be highly efficient.

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  • Organize Your Finances

    Organize Your Finances

    Organizing Your Finances for More Efficiency

    Organizing your personal finances can help increase your efficiency. Being organized lets you stay on track with your budget, make smart financial decisions, and reach your financial goals.

    Click here to get your FREE Tip Sheet – 9 Hacks to an Organised Life.

    Being organized for efficiency financially means:

     Having a budget to track your income and expenses

    • Automating your finances by setting up automatic bill payments and savings transfers
    • Keeping your financial records organized so it’s simple to track your progress
    • Working with a financial planner to get professional advice on managing your money

    The first step in personal finance is to find out where you stand financially, which will require some level of organization. You must know your income, expenses, debts, and assets. Start by getting organized so that on any given day at any given time, you can easily see where you stand financially without any stress.

    Keep track of your spending — Knowing where your money is going is the first step to being more organized. Keep a budget or use a tracking app to help you get an idea of where your money goes each month. Personally, I find using Spending Tracker a very handy way to do this on a daily basis.

    Make a budget — Once you know where your money is going, you can make a budget to ensure you’re spending within your means. Don’t forget to include savings so you will reach your future financial goals.

    Set up a system —Whether it’s a physical system like folders and a budget binder, or a digital system like Mint or Personal Capital, find a way to track your finances that works for you.

    Automate your finances — Automating your finances can help you stay on top of your bills and save money. Set up automatic bill payments and consider using a service like Digit or Acorns to save money automatically. I do this using my mobile bank app as I like to keep everything in the one place if I can.

    Keep your receipts — Receipts can help track spending and budgeting purposes. Keep them organized in a system that works for you – use either a physical folder or a digital app.

    Stay on top of your credit — Checking your credit report regularly is an excellent way to catch errors and keep track of your credit score. Clear Score sends me weekly updates and notifies me of any changes. It’s a free service.

    Review your bank statements — Reviewing your bank statements can help you catch errors and fraudulent charges and keep track of your spending. Doing this on a daily basis really paid off for me recently, as I picked up fraudulent activity on one of my accounts within hours, and my bank was able to stop it immediately.

    Invest in a good financial planner — A good financial planner can help you organize your finances, set goals, and make a plan to reach those goals. If you earn enough money to save money, this will be a worthwhile investment to get more organized.

    Get organized — Getting your finances organized can help you save money, reduce stress, and make better financial decisions. Use the tips above to help you get started.

    Personal finance includes planning for future financial security for you and your family. Organizing your finances efficiently requires creating a system for managing your money that is streamlined and easy to use. This might include setting up a budget, tracking your spending, and creating a system for paying your bills. An efficient system in place will help you save time and money.

    Click here to get your FREE Tip Sheet – 9 Hacks to an Organised Life.

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  • Handy Products for Organizing Your Home

    Handy Products for Organizing Your Home

    Storage solutions like baskets, bins, and shelves are very handy for keeping your home organized. Baskets are great for corralling smaller items like gloves, scarves, and hats, while bins and shelves can store more oversized items like blankets, towels, and out-of-season clothing. Let’s look at how you can use various products to organize your home.

    Baskets

    Using baskets is a great way to add additional storage space to your home.

    • For storing blankets, throws, and extra pillows
    • For corralling toys in the living room or playroom
    • For holding laundry that needs to be put away
    • As a catchall for items near the front door

    You can designate some baskets to organize various items or use a different basket for each room to gather all the clutter that has escaped its home and return it.

    Drawer organizers

    If you have drawers to put things, you know that they often become a mess when you look for something. With organizers, you can prevent everything from getting messed up to the point you lose things by adding spacers and organizers.

    • For underwear, socks, and other small items in the bedroom
    • For spices, oils, and other cooking supplies in the kitchen
    • For office supplies in a home office or craft room

    You can use drawer organizers to store items such as silverware, dishes, and glasses, so they stay organized and don’t get jumbled up. Use drawer organizers to store cleaning supplies, such as sponges, scrub brushes, and cleaning solutions — keeping supplies organized and within easy reach.

    Under-bed storage

    You can raise your bed to give yourself some practical storage underneath if you don’t have a bed with space under it. If you create that space, it can be used to store things you don’t use as often.

    • For winter clothes that aren’t being used
    • For extra bedding, towels, and linens
    • For out-of-season clothes

    If you aren’t using the items daily, under-bed storage is a great place to keep the things out of the way and ready for use when needed.

    Hooks

    When you lack space, consider taking things to the wall with hooks. Hooks let you hang up things in sight that need to be handy. Consider putting hooks in any area you need so your stuff is within easy reach.

    • For coats, hats, and scarves near the front door
    • For bags and purses in the bedroom or closet
    • For towels in the bathroom
    • For aprons and oven mitts in the kitchen

    If you live in a rental, you can use command hooks, and if you follow the directions, you can create space without messing up the walls.

    Nails/tacks

    If you live in your own place, you can put nails and tacks on the wall without worrying about your property owner. Nails and tacks are great for hanging things out of the way, not just your artwork.

    • For hanging pictures, artwork, and wall decor
    • For hanging coats, hats, and scarves near the front door
    • For hanging towels in the bathroom
    • For hanging mitts, aprons, and other tools in the kitchen

    Consider using double-duty artwork that acts as something beautiful to look at that’s also useful, like shelves, cabinets, and cute places to hang your hats and scarves.

    Pegboard

    Julia Child used pegboards in her kitchen to organize her pots, pans, and tools for cooking. You can use them for the organization in any zone of your house, which also looks incredible.

    • Organize tools in the garage or shed
    • Can also be used to organize office supplies
    • Great for craft supplies
    • Fabulous for kitchen pots, pans, and utensils

    You may be shocked at how awesome peg boards work. The great thing about them is that you can move things around on the pegboard; it doesn’t always have to be the same organization.

    Anyone of these organizational products will help you create a space that works for you. Consider writing down all the activities you do in every zone of your home so you can determine what you need to get organized.

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  • Why Being Productive Matters

    Why Being Productive Matters

    Why Being Productive Matters

    It is challenging to stay focused and be productive in this maximum information world where you are constantly inundated with distractions. Whether checking your phones, browsing social media, or watching television, there are always things vying for your attention. However, since you only have so much time (time is the most limited resource), it’s essential to use time wisely if your goal is productivity.

    Being productive does not require continuous motion or busy work. It simply means you use your time in a way that benefits you. It may seem strange, but doing what you love is productive regardless of what the world has taught you.

    It may mean working on a project, hobby, or task you’re passionate about. It may also mean taking care of necessary errands like grocery shopping or cleaning the house. It may also mean hacking away at your to-do list created based on your goals that match your principles, morals, and values. That’s the key—it’s up to you.

    There are many benefits to being productive.

    • You’re more likely to see progress in your life
    • You’ll achieve your goals
    • You’ll have high self-esteem
    • You’ll feel a sense of satisfaction
    • You’ll feel pride in your life
    • You’ll experience way less stress, overwhelm, and anxiety
    • You’ll feel a greater sense of purpose
    • You’ll feel as if life is worth living
    • You’ll have more free time

    When you take the time to focus on one task at a time, based on your well-researched plan, you’ll promptly get everything you need. Then, when you finish something, you can move on to the next thing feeling more successful.

    Plus, when you have things to do that you care about, you’ll realize what a difference you make in the world. When you feel important to the world, you’re more likely to live a satisfying life and live up to your true capabilities.

    There are many advantages to being productive. Productivity ensures you achieve your goals, feel good about yourself, reduce stress, and give you a sense of purpose. When you use your time wisely and focus on being productive, you’ll be able to create the life you want and live a more fulfilling existence.

    When you are genuinely productive in life, you manage your time well, which gives you more control over your life and how you want to spend your time. And that is invaluable. Plus, the better you are at being productive, the better your children will be at it too. Children learn best from the adults they are closer to and tend to model that behavior, for good or ill.

    Ask yourself, are you being productive with your time?

    What changes can you make to make better use of your time?

    How can you focus more on what’s important to you in order to achieve your goals and create a life you love?

    When you take the time to focus on being productive, you’ll be amazed at all you can achieve. Understanding why being productive matters is definitely worth your time. After all, your time is one of the truly limited resources, and how you use it will make a real difference in your level of productivity. Furthermore, when your productivity improves, you’ll see proof that it matters in the results you create.

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  • Is Your Child Unproductive

    Is Your Child Unproductive

    Is Your Child Unproductive?

    Watching your child struggle is the worst feeling. Of course, you want them to succeed in everything they do, but sometimes it seems like they can’t get ahead. If you realize your child is having trouble completing tasks, is easily distracted, or doesn’t seem to know how to prioritize, it may be time to talk to them about productivity.

    These signs offer signals that your child is unproductive, and if left unchecked, your child may start to feel overwhelmed and stressed. With guidance, your child will learn to be more productive and accomplish their goals.

    Pay attention if your child has these issues:

    • Trouble Completing Tasks in a Reasonable Time Fram
    • Easily Distracted and Have Issues Focusing
    • Lack of Goalsetting skills, and They Don’t Know How to Prioritize
    • Don’t Start What They Plan and Don’t Finish What They Start
    • Have Unrealistic Expectations and Suffer from Perfectionism
    • Allow Others to Pressure Them
    • Act Out Emotionally

    Helping your child with goalsetting will give them something to work towards and provide a sense of accomplishment when they reach their goals. You can also help them create a plan to achieve those goals. This may involve breaking down tasks into smaller steps or teaching them how to prioritize their time better.

    Encourage your child to take small, reasonable steps daily to achieve their goals. With a little effort and support from you when they need it, your child will learn to be more productive and may even surprise themselves with what they can accomplish.

    Help them learn how important it is to protect their time, so they avoid overscheduling – a leading cause of overwhelm in the unproductive child. An over-scheduled child is always busy, but everything is just too much, so nothing ever gets done. When nothing gets done, the pressure will overwhelm them because kids typically care a lot about what others think and allow that to pressure them more than they may realize. Children thrive with reasonable schedules more than they do with a lot of clutter and disorganization about how they’ll spend their time.

    When you help them get stuff done and mark it off their list, they will learn how it feels to be genuinely productive. In addition, as a parent, you can instill a sense of pride in their success by making it a point to celebrate accomplishments. Too often, children are not given enough credit for their achievements and think their parents are just being nice when they praise them. Instead, children need to understand that their parents are proud of their accomplishments and that they have worked hard to achieve them.

    When you help your child learn what true productivity feels like and that it does not require continuously being busy all the time, they will be more likely to enjoy getting stuff done in record time so they can enjoy their downtime more. After all, everyone deserves to have a good life that doesn’t just involve things that are work.

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