A nice message from Elisabete Rodrigues, director of this newspaper, was enough for me to realize what I already knew: I, who excel in organization, focus and discipline, procrastinated my regular collaboration – which I like so much – with the Sul Informação.
I tried to look for the internal causes that led me to this act (yes, because to understand why we procrastinate, we first have to look inside ourselves, as our external behavior is always a reflection of our interior) and I realized why...
Working with children at home is very difficult and writing about it forces me to reflect and feel this difficulty at an even deeper level.
It's difficult to meet work deadlines and, at the same time, meet meal times; it is difficult to write, proofread texts and, at the same time, sit next to my eldest daughter so that I can do her math exercises; it's hard to put the kids to bed on time, when we know that those moments after dinner are precious to prepare for the next day.
And when we do, procrastination takes over our lives; it makes us put off what demands more of us and what needs to be done. It makes us put off small and big things. Some, with a big impact on our lives. I speak for myself and in the daily exercise that I insist on putting off…
Not on purpose yesterday in the masterclass from my online program Writing in Action (in which I'm following a group of over forty inspiring people who want to write more and better and get ready to one day publish a book), guest speaker Patrícia Rosa, coach high productivity, whom I have the privilege to call a friend, talked about procrastination, or rather about how to fight it and take action.
Na masterclass, very enriching for all present, there were many practical tips shared. I leave here just a few. Anyone who has serious problems with procrastination and needs to go into “high performance mode”, I really recommend talking to Patrícia Rosa.
"How to fight procrastination and take action"
Tip #1 – Look inside and understand why you are procrastinating;
Tip #2 – Make public commitments: when we tell the “world” that we have something to do by a certain date, this is a big “push” that makes us take action.
Tip #3 – Forget the concept of multitasking. According to Patrícia Rosa, it is “counterproductive” in terms of productivity. Do one task at a time, preferably in small blocks of time of 25 minutes each, interspersed with break times (5 minutes). If you have a lot of tasks to do throughout the day, group the same tasks together and don't switch between tasks. For example, if you need to make several calls, make them all at the same time interval.
Tip #4 – If your mind tends to interrupt you with worries, write them down on paper, as soon as they come to your mind and define a time of day as the “worry time”. Your brain will be much more relaxed knowing that you will have a time dedicated to solving your “problems”.
Tip #5 – Learn to say “no”. Protect your interior space and your exterior space, disconnecting from what can interrupt you (mobile phone notifications, social networks,) and take your focus away from what really needs to be done. If you are working from home, let your family know that during that period of time you cannot be interrupted. I know that with children at home this can be quite challenging, but it is very important that we manage to make our family aware of the importance of what we are doing.
Tip #6 – It doesn't hurt to procrastinate what adds nothing to us. We have to learn to focus on what meets our goals, is truly relevant and makes us go further.
Tip #7 – Finally, enter the “reward” into the equation. Whenever you reach a certain goal, treat yourself to something that gives you pleasure. Remember that there is dopamine release when we are rewarded. Your brain will love it and start to associate the action with the reward.
These are just some practical tips. Once again, I advise you to speak with the specialist, if you want to go deeper into these matters.
And now that we've talked about “grown things”, it's time to think about our children and our moments with them. Because nowadays, in this “everyone at home” scenario, it's important to plan our day to day. Family moments are the most important for us to maintain balance and well-being for everyone.
3 ACTIVITIES TO ESCAPE THE screens
1. Have a picnic at home
A picnic doesn't have to be complicated. We can do it in the living room or on a balcony.
A towel on the floor, some snacks simple (water, tea or juice, sandwiches, biscuits or a homemade cake) and the best part, there are no ants to bother you….
2. Paper airplane race
Origami is an opportunity to develop concentration and motor skills. Many can be the figures that we can create in origami.
I suggest they build paper airplanes, using newsprint or magazine or colored paper.
After the planes are built, they will be able to set a goal and make plane races.
3. Camping at home
In general, camping has a magic and charm that fascinates children. When we can't camp abroad, we can do it at home.
We may or may not use a tent or, alternatively, build a hut with sheets; we can sleep in a sleeping bag or sleep with duvets.
To get away from the routine and make an evening or an afternoon fun, camping at home is an activity that is sure to create memories for the whole family.
LITERARY SUGGESTION FOR YOU
The only thing, by Jay Papasan and Gary Keller
Literary Prescription: This is the book you need to have at home to read or reread whenever you feel the need to get more into action.
The only thing defends a simple concept: we must focus on what is most important in our personal life and at work. And by focusing your energy on a Only thing each time, the results show up.
More than a “formula” to live better, the authors of this book give you the “secret” to live healthier and achieve the results you've always wanted. This highly illustrated book shares the steps to living with purpose, priorities and productivity and thus achieving extraordinary results.
Next week, I'll REALLY return with more tips for you, being at home, to be the best you can be, with you and your family.
Until then. Be alright. Stay safe.
Note:
The “Activities to escape the screens” are suggested by Liliana Marques, the Mother Educator, mother of a 4-year-old girl and a kindergarten teacher who has been working for 15 years.
You can find out more about the work of Patrícia Rosa by clicking here.
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