focused mom challenge week 2

Step One.  To start this week, set up some zones in your home and your life where you will make every effort NOT to give in to your biggest distraction(s).  For me, I’m going to have a “Cell Phone Free Zone,” but you might choose your iPad or your laptop, your Kindle, or even the television.  For each of us, how we do this will be different, but the basic concept will be the same.

Step Two.  Even though we’re setting some limits on our distractions in Step One, it’s important that we also reward ourselves for our efforts.  Now I don’t mean we get to go out and buy a new wardrobe or anything, but a few simple rewards will help.  They work with our kids, right?

Step Three.  Review your calendar for the next day every night before you go to bed.  When you look at it, try to see when you have free time that you USED to spend mindlessly on your laptop/iPad/Kindle/cell phone/you fill in the blank!  Think of things you might do during that time the next day instead.  For example, go on a walk, go outside and color with chalk on the sidewalk, have a picnic.  Anything with your child!  Or, think about unloading the dishwasher, what you’ll have for dinner the next night, the loads of laundry waiting for you to do.  Your calendar can include things that you need to do too!