Last Updated on September 16, 2022 by Natalie

I have long been the queen of to-do lists and swirling thoughts and ideas. Lately, things seem to have spun out of control and I’m left feeling very unproductive and unsatisfied.

I have so many ideas swirling around in my head. It feels like there is a traffic jam in my brain.  No one is moving. And it’s frustrating. Everything is stuck and there is no flow or clarity. 

Just to paint a picture of how many things I have swirling around in my head on a daily basis, here’s a breakdown.

Inspiration Projects

These are for creative expression. Possibly, I can even profit from some of them.

Translate a children’s book and figure out how I can get it published (btw, can ANYONE tell me how to do that?), DIY furniture glow ups (i.e. starting with my ugly floor mirror), learn to play a particular new song on the piano, flip some furniture and use it or sell it (I’ve got my new sander!), type up my Florence study abroad journal to work it into a book, list the items I have piling up in my closet on my Mercari or Poshmark to lighten up my life, write articles and blog posts (I often have ideas I think would make for a great post but if I don’t write it down at the moment–and I usually can’t–I move on and forget all about it), make my breastmilk necklace and record the process, make breastmilk soap and record the process.

Ideal Tasks

These are just things I’d really like to do and that would make me feel good about myself.

Find a simple, delicious recipe so I can finally be the one to cook something for my family (I do not enjoy cooking),  figure out how to better organize the mess in my home (like how in the world do I get ALL of these balls out of the way?!)

When I Have Downtime (Ha!)

My husband sometimes asks me if I’m ever going to do that paint by numbers that he bought me for Mother’s Day. He set it up for me with my easel in the spare room.

It would also be ideal if I’d clean my makeup brushes (I worked as a freelance makeup artist for 17 years but haven’t taken a job since my son was born 2 years ago. I want to be ready in case I decide to do a job).

Daily House Work

Bottomless dishes, laundry, sweeping, pickup…you probably know the kind.

My Paid Job

Digital marketing work (1-2 hours a day) 

And finally…

My Primary focus & Full-time Passion

Caring for my toddler. Feeding, changing, playing, breastfeeding, put down for a nap, entertaining and stimulating…with no TV time all day.

Of course the above list doesn’t include miscellaneous things that come up and need attention. Like looking for a rug for the living room to go with our new couch or searching for a swimming instructor for my son so he can start when he is done with his current classes.

Identifying the Problem

If I am being real with myself, the issue is not about not having time. I was given a reality check just yesterday when I read about Jenna Dewan’s description of life after she had her first baby.

“I thought, ‘OK, I think I can do that. You know, it’ll be like 2 months after, and I’ll be able to have her on set. That was really hard. Because that was long hours. I did have her on set with me constantly — it was just really difficult.”

Jenna Dewan

The issue is about me allowing unproductive time-sucks to have (too many) spots in my day. Not using available pockets of time towards things that matter.

Something needs to change and immediately. 

To Find the Solution

The key to doing the things that are important to me is to start by prioritizing and organizing that traffic jam of thoughts I referenced earlier.

I have always loved and recommended The Panda Planner. It’s an agenda with a focus on improving mental health and productivity. While I fully stand by my words about this planner, I’m currently in a place of such daily disarray that I am too far gone from having the time to use the planner. I need to do a bit of cleaning up before I can realistically get back to it and reap its benefits.

I’ll be back very soon, Panda. I love you.

Steps to Regain Control

I’m dedicating myself to a total day overhaul and these are the steps I’ve committed to that are helping me get back some control over my day.

I say “some” because, as we know, we don’t really have control over anything. So plan for that.

1. Eliminate Distractions

I’ve tried having the discipline to not browse my phone while I’m with my son. After consistently failing at that, I realize I need to turn on my ringer volume (in case someone tries to call me) and just leave my phone charging in my bedroom. I need to do this to ensure I have one less distraction to being present with my boy and then wasting emotional energy feeling guilty that I didn’t do anything for his brain development. 

2. Keep a Notepad Nearby

When thoughts pop up, like something I want to look into or something I need to do, I write it down and then do it during breaks. For me, that’s during my son’s nap time or when he’s asleep for the night. Not while he’s in front of me.

3. Make a List of Priorities 

Start from the top immediately when you have a pocket of time. I do the important projects while my little one naps. Having this list skips the step of thinking about what to do when the opportunity presents itself. Also, knowing this list is waiting for me minimizes the chance that I use that free time to do mindless, unproductive things like playing a game on my phone.

4. Motivational Reading

Read Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. My dad , an avid reader, loved this book so much that he hasn’t stopped talking about it to anyone and everyone and he lent it to me. I’m nearing the end and I really appreciate the research behind the theories and the very relatable nature of the chapters. Some of the chapters resonate with me more than others and I’m sure the same will be true for you. Another thing I love about it is that the chapters are short so you can always get yourself to the end.

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After making a mindful decision to focus on this, I feel better already. I can see the light.

Comment below and let me know what you do to control your time 😊