Today, I am going to talk about the 5 mistakes that are sabotaging your productivity. The reason I know these mistakes is because I’ve done them all and I’ve found a better way. My hope is for you to feel empowered knowing that there are better ways to handle these situations. So let’s jump right in!

Mistake # 1: Avoiding Self-Care

 Many mamas feel like this is the lowest priority on their list. Everyone wants to know how to get more visible on Instagram. How to book more clients. How to make more money. These are good things to think about, but you can’t forget self-care and family dynamic! You must focus on the systems and processes that will streamline your life and allow you to focus on your business.

But I’m here to tell you that if you skip this very crucial step, you are always going to be feeling this lack of motivation. You’re going to be feeling overwhelm, anxiety, stress, tension, irritability and resentment. The only reason I know this is because I’ve been there. There was a time and a place where I was so invested in my business that I let it go too far. I thought I was doing the right thing, and I thought that it was going to help my family be more financially free. Unfortunately what it did was create a ball of anger, frustration and resentment. If you don’t take the time to actually fill your cup, and put these systems and processes into place so that you can find this freedom, it’s going to really sabotage your productivity.

Start thinking about all the things that you are responsible for and then create a system and a process for those everyday basic needs. Think about your meal planning, grocery shopping, household chores, etc. Put a system in place for when is it going to get done. You cannot do these things on a daily basis without a plan, and it’s also not going to happen if you’re the only person that’s doing this.

It’s important that you enlist help in this area and that you carve out the time to actually do these things. I have a complementary podcast episode list below that goes with everything I’m talking about today. So go make sure you check out that complementary podcast episode list below and listen to those episodes.

Mistake # 2: Winging-It

How many of you feel like that’s your plan? Most days it’s like, “Hey, I’m just trying to survive over here, like if I get anything done, that’s a win.” I totally understand because I used to be there. In reality, not having a plan will make it extremely and frustrating for you and puts a damper on your productivity. It’s so important to plan ahead.

Set aside some time every single week that you can plan what you are going to do for the upcoming week. This includes your business, but also your personal life. Think about the idea of time-blocking your schedule. I am a strong believer in time-blocking and I think it is so crucial, especially when you have such limited time. Once you know exactly what you’re doing and when, you’ll be more likely to stay on task and be productive. I think time management is something that a lot of moms really struggle with and especially moms who own a business.

If you need even more help with time-blocking and master task lists, I am inviting you to grab my free masterclass called Productivity with Purpose. I share a video training of my system and process for how I time-block and what that looks like.

Mistake # 3: Using Your Kids as an Excuse

This used to be my number one struggle when my kids were little. I used them as an excuse all the time for why I wasn’t productive, and for why couldn’t grow my business fast enough. For why I was so frustrated and irritable and tired and angry. But again, that goes back to mistake number one. I was not prioritizing myself and taking the time to pour into myself first.

I also made the mistake of trying to work in small pockets of time. Start thinking about how can you create bigger pockets of time in your day. Get creative with your childcare situation. If you’re constantly starting and stopping in small pockets of time, your productivity is basically diminished.

So here are just a few tips that I want to share:

• Plan play dates with other working mamas
• Have kids play together while you are working
• Have a friend who has older children who can watch your little one(s)
• Swap babysitting with other mamas or hire a mother’s helper

I found that when I started to invest in childcare, I was so much more productive. In fact, I actually started making more money. So please check out my podcast episodes that will give you tips on how to work at home with your kids, as well as the different things your children need the most from you.  Once you give them the time and attention they need, they will more likely let you have quiet time to work.

Mistake #4: Focusing on the Wrong Things

Again, I was totally guilty of this in my earlier years. Now you might be wondering where to focus and how to start. Think about what is so crucial and important to your business. What are the things that are actually driving revenue? A lot of mamas get hung up on the idea of being on social media; they have to be on IG stories, they have to post, or do IG Lives and it becomes so overwhelming.

I recommend creating a piece of content and repurpose that content. So for me, every week I have brand new content on my podcast, and I can use parts of my podcast episode to create more content. I can take out different bits and pieces and I can use that for my Instagram, which prevents me from reinventing the wheel each week. I have another full training on Instagram Planning if you need more help in this area.

Mistake # 5: Not Outsourcing

This is a big one! This strategy has been a lifesaver for me over the past two years. Some people may think, “Oh when I’m making more money that’s when I’ll think about that…”  However, what you might not be thinking about is how much time certain things can save you. It actually might be more beneficial for you to have the time than the money.

For my photography business, writing proposals, invoicing, contracts, and client communication was extremely time consuming I used to do this all by myself and then I decided to invest in a client relationship management (CRM)  system which takes care of all of that. Everything is very streamlined, I still have work to do, but it is not nearly as much work and everything is in one place.

If you are overwhelmed with a messy house and you feel like you are constantly cleaning up and you’re not able to enjoy your children, then outsource that job to someone else. Try not to let the financial aspect hold you back, but think of the trade-off. What’s worth more to you? More time with your family or a little bit more money?  Think about what in your life you could outsource right now that would help to create more joy and to create more peace in your family.

Recap

Let’s quickly review the five things that are sabotaging your business:

1. Avoiding self-care
2. Winging-it
3. Using your kids as an excuse
4. Focusing on the wrong things
5. Not outsourcing

I hope that you have found value in today’s post. Share with other mamas and follow me on Instagram and tag me @thepurposegathering. Shoot me a DM and let me know which one of these mistakes you struggle with the most and I would love to help you figure out your next steps.

As always mama. I am here rooting for you and you are not alone on this journey.

Resources

• Join our Facebook Community
• Find me on Instagram: @thepurposegathering
• Website: thepurposegathering.com
• Free Masterclass: Productivity with a Purpose
• Free Masterclass: Instagram Planning with Confidence

Complementary Episodes

• Avoiding Self-Care
  • Episode 16: 7 Ways to Live Simply for the Sake of Enjoying More
  • Episode 21: Save your Sanity + Avoid Overhelm
  • Episode 37: It’s Not About the Bubble Bath + Other Self-Care Myths
  • Episode 38: 5 Steps to Make Self-Care a Priority
• Winging-It
  • Episode 50: Plan your Week Like a CEO
• Working in Small Pockets of Time
  • Episode 10: The 4 Things Your Kids Need the Most
  • Episode 12: 5 Tips for Working with Kids at Home
• Focusing on the Wrong Things
  • Episode 45: Get Clear on What you Sell + Simplify your Business Model
• Not Outsourcing
  • Episode 32: The One Woman Show Part 1: What to Outsource at Home
  • Episode 33: The Woman Show Part 2: What to Outsource in your Business