Buying Back Time: Reframe Priorities for Relationships Over the To-do List
A coworker recently vented, “I need more money to buy time with my family!”
As a former workaholic, I get it. I used to think working harder earned me quality time later. We think more money is the answer when our kids just want us — not stuff. Kids grow up now and need for us to be present with them in the time we have with them now.
In the pursuit of more, better, faster, we often deprive ourselves and our families of those tender, unhurried moments that feed the soul. We sacrifice presence for productivity. In doing so, we miss what makes life rich. The truth is, creating lasting memories doesn't require doing or buying more. It requires slowing down, tuning into each other, and giving your loved ones the gift of your presence.
Shift your focus to connecting over checking off. Relationships trump tasks. In the long run, it's your unwavering love that your kids will remember. What I've learned is you have to purposefully pivot priorities long before you "get there" and buy back time. It starts with a few simple mindset shifts: Recognize, Reframe, and Release.
Recognize time is precious and fleeting - Kids won't be this little forever. Slow down to appreciate this stage rather than always looking ahead.
Reframe ideas of productivity - Kids don't always need fancy activities and busy schedules; what matters is you share simple moments together.
Release perfection - Fun family time may mean a messy house in the short term. But what will your child remember most - the perfectly ordered home or laughter with you?
For starters, simplify overloaded schedules, even if it means saying no more. Schedule regular parent-kid dates to nurture your bond. Institute tech-free family hours for full engagement.
Staying intentional takes practice, but it gets easier. When you feel stretched thin again, ask yourself what your child really needs today. Usually, it's simply your loving presence, not doing or providing anything extra. Trust me, they’ll remember the love so much more.
Want to learn how to say "no" more and create a calendar that prioritizes your relationships? I offer a monthly Time Grip Mastermind that addresses competing demands to help you better understand your productivity without gimmicks and hacks. Join my list for notifications on the next offer HERE or jot a note in my contact form below.. Join my list to get notifications on the next offer HERE or jot a note in my contact form below.
DeShawn Wert teaches intelligent, motivated professional moms how to get stuff done so they CAN relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor! Let's explore how you do your best work together. An Ericson-trained life coach and JTS Coaching-trained ADHD coach, DeShawn is a member of good standing in the ADHD Coaches Organization. She's contributed to several books on living with ADHD, including Dr. Dale Archer's book, The ADHD Advantage, and Laurie Dupar's series called More Ways to Succeed with ADHD.
Contact DeShawn Now-Set Up a Time to Talk
You know what I find fascinating? It's our differences
~ especially those of us who can be a little off-center trying to function and find fulfillment in the mainstream world. This world values efficiency and productivity, which can require productivity techniques and hacks that some of us find
too mundane and soul-crushing, if not impossible to follow.
For me, I've found I can't follow mainstream productivity tools and hacks. I've had to learn to drive my brain, use its quirks and creativity to feel seen, make contributions to the world, and enjoy both work and home.
I like working with smart people who are ready to dump conventional productivity techniques to learn their true personal productivity by understanding how to drive their brains and discover their unique strengths to redesign their days with systems that complement them.
Let's start exploring together!