Finding the Energy to Work
You’ve made it through the morning routine, the kids are all situated, you finally sit down to work - a full plate of tasks ahead - but the energy just isn’t there!
You know you should be making the most of this time, to get done what needs to get done, but you just want a break instead.
Whether you’re working from home or at the office, whether you have a dedicated desk, are working at the kitchen counter, or hiding out in your bedroom, it’s important to mark the transition between kids and work. To set the stage for productivity so you can get shit done.
I’ve got 6 ideas for how you can transition from home time to work time with energy and focus.
If you’ve ever sat down to work after taking care of your kids, that quiet, alone time at your desk can feel downright luxurious.
You love your kids, but the constant stimulation, the questions, the whining, it’s a lot!
So if the first thing you do when you sit down to work is let out a big SIGH and sink into your chair, it’s all to easy to also reach for your phone. After all, it may be the first time you’ve had a minute to check in and see if anyone texted you, or posted a new photo on Instagram, or any update at all.
But that quick check turns into 15 minutes, and suddenly you’re feeling behind, and struggling even more to get started.
This is your time to be productive and instead you’re wasting it, and then beating yourself up for wasting it!
Why is getting started so hard?
It doesn’t have to be. Having a transition plan or a ritual that you do to mark the change in energy and focus can be exactly what you need to hit the ground running, or walking. You choose the pace.
Here are my favorite ideas for creating a ritual for transitioning into work with energy and motivation:
#1 Pick out your priority the day before
I talk a lot about scheduling and planning your time, so it should come as no surprise that I want you to have your top priority already picked out.
So when you sit down to work, what's the one thing you must do? Or what are the top 3 things, if you have a longer chunk of time?
Don’t forget to remind yourself of WHY that one thing is so important. The why is what gives you motivation.
#2 Set the scene
Whether you’re at work, in a home-office, or working in a common space, it’s so important to start your work time with some sort of cue - to set the stage.
Maybe you light a candle or turn on your diffuser.
Maybe you have a dedicated planner, fun notebook, or special pen that you get use.
Maybe you bring a “treat” beverage like a mug of tea, fancy coffee, or a lemon water to enjoy.
What can you do to cue yourself that now is a different time from being with the kids?
#3 Create a playlist
I love to work to music. I know that’s not true for everyone, but it can be a great way to set the tone for work.
I often select the music based on the mood I want to create. Do I want music to focus, like coffee shop background music? Do I want something high energy if I’m about to present or run a coaching session? Do I want lyrics or just instrumental?
This is another cue that it’s work time and can help create energy or focus.
#4 Use a timer
Whether you have a physical timer, or you use a countdown on your laptop or phone, seeing time passing can help you get started and commit to making progress.
The goal with the timer is to create a sense of urgency. You have your plan, and now you need to get to work.
You can try the Pomodoro technique, which is really helpful if you have short chunks of time for focus. But sitting down, committing to your priority task, and then starting that timer can be a great motivator, as long as you’re also balancing that with breaks…
#5 Build in breaks and follow-through with breaks
If you’re still finding the transition challenging, maybe you need to own that break that you need. Instead of beating yourself up for spending a few minutes not being productive, make it a part of your plan. The first 5 or 10 minutes of your work time is dedicated to whatever you need that day.
You could take a few deep breaths, or meditate, enjoy your coffee, take a look at your schedule for the day, write, check your phone before setting it aside, or take care of that personal task that’s been nagging you all morning.
Using those first few minutes purposefully, and mindfully, as time to decompress after being with the kids, can make you more productive later. Just be sure to honor the time you set aside for your break, and then move on to work.
You could apply the same format to the end of your work time as well. Use the last 5 minutes of your work time to just breathe and have a moment to yourself, before you jump back into the craziness of kids and home.
#6 Remind yourself, “I have time”
Try saying it to yourself right now… “I have time.”
Even with the best plan or the best ritual for starting work, you’ll still have days where that transition is hard. If you find yourself wandering from your plan or not being as productive as you’d like, that’s okay. It’s okay, especially now, to need some mindless time, time for breaks, and rest. Give yourself permission and then return to your cues and your routine when you’re ready to be productive again. You’ll know when.
And in the meantime, know that the most important things will still get done.
You have time.
I would love to know…
Do you have trouble making that transition between home and work and then really getting into your groove feeling motivated and productive?
What’s one idea that you’re excited to try?
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