In ‘ye olden days’, i.e. 2 months ago before the arrival of ‘little dimples’, my second child, I used to ask myself what might seem a slightly dark question when sorting out my plan for work/life balance.
I would think about being elderly and sitting on my death bed, looking back over my life. ‘What would I regret not doing?’. Would I miss doing that piece of admin, writing that document, working with that client, or playing with my son.
In some cases, I really wanted to write, or the client session was going to be really interesting and couldn’t be at another time. But in other cases, the sun would be out and it was definitely time to make a memory and go and have a picnic.
This would really help me to be clear on what I wanted to achieve, and how I wanted to do it. I’m not the type to go pushing ahead with my business, and put the kids last. It’s not wrong, it’s just not me, and most of all kids just want us to be ourselves. I’m also not the type to not have another string to my bow; that is, I’d be a rubbish stay at home mum!
But now my life has changed, and is much more practical and much more short term. My question is ‘What will cause me the most pain if I don’t get it done by the end of today?‘. It helps me with the juggling act (which frankly I’m not doing well at), because ‘little pink’ could wake up at any moment and then demand attention for the rest of the day.
Today, I needed the washing dry, but I also needed to write, just quickly, so that I felt that feeling I love for a moment. I’ve also made myself a long glass of squash and got some snacks ready, as I’m conscious that her milk demands are increasing. Which also means sod any thought of a diet for another week!
If I get a chance I’ll phone the two mates who left me a voicemail or text. Max is at nursery today, so I might even get a chance to interview a ‘Mother’s help’, but most of all I need a little peace and quiet after the easter holidays, when I made a couple of fatal mistakes; I’ll blog about them later in the week, but they are all about feeling unappreciated because you do a pile of stuff ‘for’ people and forgot to work out your compensation package ;o)
A great question, can be worth it’s weight in gold. What questions help you?
Hmm. Different.
This question works brilliantly and after you showed me where/how to use it, brain noise has defo gone a lil quieter – a BIG thank you