Well Planned Day – Homeschool

As you processed through the A.S.P.I.R.E. and Implementing S.P.O.T. stages of the A.C.H.I.E.V.E. Method in your planner, you might have noticed a couple of references to some of the things that can derail us. One of the last steps in A.S.P.I.R.E. is to recognize obstacles. And the last step in S.P.O.T. takes you from laying out the foundation to actually moving forward and tackling the work. In both situations, there are things that are rising up to keep you from moving forward. 

That’s not an incredibly fun or positive thought to dwell on, but it’s necessary if you’re going to enjoy a well-planned year because obstacles will arise. Knowing in advance how you will deal with them is one of your best tools for overcoming these obstacles. 

DEALING WITH FRUSTRATION

One of the biggest obstacles to progress is frustration. No matter what you do, whether in homeschooling, work, or any other venture in life, there will be times when you face frustration because you’re thwarted in your ability to achieve something. 

Frustration may be a natural part of life, especially life as a homeschool mom. But, when we let it build too much, frustration turns into burnout, the feeling that you just can’t do any of it any more. Because it’s much harder to overcome burnout than it is to fight off frustration, it’s critical that you learn how to fight that frustration before it builds up and becomes burnout.

Here are some suggestions for nipping frustration in the bud before it becomes burnout.

Don’t Expect Too Much of Yourself

When you aren’t able to get your to-do list finished each day or the closet you wanted to clean out four months ago is still a disaster, you are probably expecting more of yourself than can be accomplished within your normal routine. 

Stop, set aside the normal daily tasks, like getting through the school plan, and focus on prioritizing the things that are increasing your frustration. You’re more likely to get through the to-do list and enjoy productive school days once you tackle that big project that has been frustrating and sidetracking you.

Don’t Expect Too Much of Others

Your kids aren’t finishing their assignments, your husband hasn’t gotten around to that half-finished project you have to look at every day, and the dog won’t stop doing his business in the house. It’s easy to see the incompleteness and mess. It’s harder to remember that there is a legitimate reason behind the struggles.

Take a deep breath and choose to problem-solve the underlying cause. Find a way to tidy up or mask your husband’s project while it’s in progress. Figure out what’s delaying or interrupting your kids. Re-evaluate boundaries or environment or take the time to help them catch up on assignments. And remember, the sun will come out again, and the dog will be willing to go back outside! A change in perspective regarding what the real problem is — and a plan and strategy for solving the problem — goes a long way towards easing the frustration that leads to burnout.

Don’t Expect Too Much of the Day

It’s a great thing to find fulfillment in tackling each day well and completing a project or task. But, it’s also important to remember that life is not fully in your control. The unexpected happens, schedules get sidetracked, and to-do lists have to be left undone.

Interruptions are an inevitable part of life, but when they become the norm, you have let life get the best of you. It’s time to reconsider your boundaries! Re-evaluate what you expect of each day, what you’re saying yes to, and what forces your priorities to be put on the back burner. 

I hate to say it, but frustration is an inevitable obstacle that will challenge your ability to tackle each day and week. Fortunately, though, you can conquer frustration before it becomes something worse!