Hello Happy Homemakers

Today I want to encourage you to keep things simple. The most effective home managers have some system to keep track of all the details.

The simple things are the easiest to maintain. Let’s start with planners and day-to-day calendars. I use a simple notebook that fits in my bag for this. It is just a pretty little half size notebook with lined pages. I date the page at the top for the week, write out the schedule (appointments, plans, events …). Under that I write out the menu (fridge and pantry shopping first). Under that I start a running list of foods and supplies I need to pick up on errand day. Next to that is the reminders (make appointments, pay bills, send cards etc.). The back side of the page is for reminders and notes. I have the option to use several pages if I need to.

This simple system was created throughout years of trying to stay organized using more complicated planners, calendars and apps. Some will find those things to be more effective for them. My kids use their phone for all this. Find what works for you. There is no right or wrong way to do this.

It seems that motivation in homemaking is a common barrier to successfully keeping the home on track. One of the questions I answer most is about motivation to get things done or keep the system moving. What is the cause of your lack of motivation? I suppose if you could answer that the problem would not exist.

Maybe the problem is not motivation at all. Let’s consider attention and focus. So many people (myself included) have been dealing with ADHD all their lives. I am a firm believer in neurodivergence and executive function disorder. However, there are ways to work with these challenges that don’t include medications. In fact, I know neurotypical people who have the same issues with motivation/focus. Hopefully, I have some tips that anyone can use.

Many people don’t realize that a big part of ADHD is hyperfocus. We don’t have a problem paying attention. We have a problem breaking attention from things, especially digital stimulation (video games, the internet, binge watching a show). We can do these things for hours without taking a break to eat or pee!

Ignoring household tasks and the stuff of life causes so much stress accompanied by guilt and feelings of failure! The whole point of routines, planners and menus is to easily manage all this so lets make it work.

In order to break hyperfocus and regain motivation the brain needs 2 things. New stimulation and movement. I am incredibly responsive to auditory stimulation so I turn on some music or an audio book on my phone and just sit and wait for my brain to refocus. Some of you might respond to physical stimulation (heat, cold, fidgeting) so throw off the blanket or shake a foot. Where is your reset button?

The second part of this is movement. Now that you have snapped out of your trance you need to move. Go wash your hands, drink a glass of water or use the bathroom. This helps to transition to the next thing.

Now grab your list, planner or meal plan and get going. Step by step lists for each task are road maps. Follow the list to the end and the job is done. If you don’t have a step by step list for your task, make one during your transition time while drinking that glass of water.

To create your step-by-step checklist, decide the tools you will need for the job and lay out each task needed in order. Sometimes I work backwards on this. Once you have your step-by-step list, keep it for next time. These are great training tools for your other family members too.

Be careful to stay on track and if you find yourself in hyperfocus again go through your refocusing routine. This will get easier the more times you do it. Your brain will get on board with practice and if it doesn't you know what to do. Just keep doing it!