Single parenting can be tough enough–without our putting extra pressure on ourselves by setting unreasonable deadlines of having expectations that we can accomplish more than is reasonable. It might be easy to blame the “world” or our jobs or other outside influences when things get really stressful–but we might be bringing some of this stress on ourselves!
This morning I was up early–let us just say it was still rather dark outside–and before I even turned on my computer to start working, I was fussing trying to get some packages wrapped. I kept thinking of the “deadline” of getting all my holiday gifts done by today. The truth is–I set that deadline over a month ago and with a full ten days left before Christmas there is a bit of room for me to be flexible. While my ability to work with schedules and deadlines can be a great skill and an asset to single parenting–it can also contribute to my being rigid and putting unreasonable pressure on myself. Once I realized that since I set the deadline, I could surely adjust it–I had a good chuckle at myself and felt more relaxed. So, what if it takes me an extra couple days to get the last of the stocking stuffers? Big deal!
This is not the only time of year, of course, that I can catch myself getting carried away with unreasonable expectations and setting deadlines that might be a bit too ambitious. How about you? Living with a checklist and a calendar can be definite musts for a busy single parent–but we can also get too optimistic about what we can accomplish. There needs to be room for flexibility and adjustment if we are to keep ourselves from getting too stressed out and not being able to accomplish anything!
Also: Windows of Productivity
Am I a Slacker if I Just Get Tired?
You Might Need to Be Both Organized and Flexbile in December