One Trick to Boost Productivity and Still Be Present for Your Children
This trick is so simple that you might have to try it out to believe me. Use this tip to increase your productivity throughout the day, even as you simultaneously create more moments to be present with your kids.
The Tortoise and the Hare
Most are familiar with the old fable of the Tortoise and the Hare. The two animals engage in a race. The Hare is off speedily, quickly taking the lead. However, as the Hare takes breaks, the Tortoise slowly and consistently plods along. And we all know how the story ends: slow and steady wins the race.
Most of us have natural tendencies that are either more Tortoise-like or more Hare-like.
Some people are just fast. They can make decisions fast, cook fast, and clean the house fast. These are our Hares. Some of these fast people have a hard time slowing down. It’s difficult to just sit. For some completing tasks is easier than playing and being present with their kids.
I am not really one of those people. I can move fast when I’m running or playing sports (or at least I used to!), but for some reason that doesn’t translate to daily life. It’s just easier for me to be that Tortoise. It’s often easier for Tortoises to sit, contemplate, or smell the roses. Concurrently, it’s harder to be productive and get work done quickly. Tasks seem to take longer than they should.
The New Moral
The story of the Tortoise and the Hare has always been a little boost for me. As I said, it’s easy for me to see myself in that victorious Tortoise. However, one day I thought, “What if it had been a short race?” That Tortoise would have been toast.
The new moral of this story that dawned on me is this: sometimes it’s good to be a Tortoise, and sometimes it’s better to be the Hare.
Types of Tasks
Whether it’s better to be quick or slow, Tortoise or Hare, depends on the task. For example, some tasks where we want to focus on speedy productivity probably include cleaning. meal prepping, and many work related tasks.
On the other hand, Hare tendencies will help us with different types of tasks. Some examples include situations that are more relational or ought to be focused on people like talking to our kids about their day. A slower pace is also helpful for meditation and prayer.
Related: Productivity Pitfalls…How To-Do Lists Can Ruin Your Life
Mindset Shift for Increased Productivity
The simple way to take advantage of these ideas and simultaneously increase productivity and mindfulness is to utilize a trigger and a timer.
- Decide which type of task you are tackling and whether a Hare or Tortoise mindset will best serve you.
- Trigger a mental mindset shift. I literally say (usually out loud), “It’s Hare Time! Less dawdling more doing.” Find a phrase that works for you.
- Use a timer for your less natural tendency. If you are a Hare, set a 20 minute timer to sit and do a puzzle with your child. Don’t multitask or rush for those 20 minutes. If you are a Tortoise, set a 20 minute timer and get as much cleaning done as you possibly can for those 20 minutes. When the timer rings, relax. Take a quick mental break and then set your timer again if needed.
For Your Success
The more you do this the easier it becomes to switch between mindsets according to your purpose. The timer helps us stay focused, even if we might be out of our natural comfort zone.
As I have used this visualization of the Tortoise and the Hare, I have found my productivity increasing. I find I get more done in my timer and still appreciate the strengths of my Tortoise side.
When you try this simple trick of switching your mindset and using a timer depending on your task, you will find that you are able to do more in less time and be more for your kids.
What simple tips do you have for increasing productivity? Share in the comments!
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