If you are like many moms, you probably have a story you tell yourself about what a “good mom” does. And trying to live up to that story probably leaves you feeling unfulfilled and unproductive at the end of most days, asking yourself, “How can I be so busy and have so little to show for it?” Perhaps you need to live more by doing less and find the joy of missing out!

 

Tonya Dalton, author and productivity expert, cuts to the chase on these issues in her book The Joy of Missing Out and in her conversation with Marti and Erin, offering practical tips on how to find your purpose (your North star!), clarify your priorities and simplify your life. Here key take-aways include Erin’s favorite, “Every time you say yes, you are saying no to something else,” and Marti’s mantra, “To be truly productive, we need to give our brains a little space to play and explore.” Listen to this lively conversation and then reflect on what you can choose to miss out on so you can savor those things that are truly important to you. You will benefit and so will your children.

 

WHAT JOY MIGHT YOU FIND IN MISSING OUT?

Thinking about the past couple of weeks, what things did you do that led you to ask, “Why did I say yes to this? How is this consistent with my values and purpose?” When you said yes to those activities, what were you saying no to? (For example, fun time with your children, maintaining your own health, getting enough sleep, taking steps toward an important goal.) What do you resolve to do differently in the next couple of weeks?

 

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO MISS OUT?

❉ WHY “ME TIME” MATTERS: HOW YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN BENEFIT WHEN YOU TAKE TIME TO CARE FOR YOURSELF.  As a mom, you may feel guilty when you take time for yourself – enjoy some “ME Time”. You may worry that you’re neglecting your children’s needs if you go out with friends, have a date night with your partner, take time to go to a class, take a nap, exercise or even just relax in a hot bath. But, for many reasons, taking time for yourself can help you be a better mother and help your children be healthier, happier people, now and later. Tune in to learn why this time is so important (and why saying "No" means "Yes" to something else).

❉ The Joy of Missing Out. Check out Tonya Dalton's book and learn more about the joys of missing out.