I’m super excited to talk about something so many of us moms struggle with—how to work from home without distractions. If you’re trying to juggle your business, kids, household, and all the other things life throws at you, it can be hard to stay focused. Today, we’re going to dive deep into strategies to help you manage your workday and your home life without constantly feeling pulled in a million directions.
Whether you’re trying to handle client calls with a toddler running around or responding to emails while folding laundry, I’ve got you covered. So let’s talk about focus and how to get things done!
Before we get into how to manage distractions, let’s address something I hear a lot: shiny object syndrome. You know, that feeling when every new opportunity, tool, or idea pops up and you feel like you have to chase it?
Here’s the thing: shiny object syndrome isn’t the real problem. The real issue is focus. We’re constantly bombarded with new information—ads, social media posts, emails, webinars. All of it can be overwhelming, but the key isn’t in shutting it all off (which isn’t realistic). Instead, the trick is to focus on the things that truly matter and have a plan to stay focused.
The more focused you are, the easier it is to avoid distractions. When you’re clear on what your goals are, it becomes a lot simpler to say no to the things that don’t serve those goals.
In fact, I believe that distractions—those things that pull us away—actually help us clarify what’s important. Every time something tries to take our attention away, it’s an opportunity to ask ourselves, “Is this worth my time?” and “Does this fit into what I’m trying to achieve?”
That’s how we build decision confidence.
So, how do you actually focus while working from home as a mom? Here’s where we get tactical.
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is that your work life and home life can blend together. That’s why it’s crucial to set up boundaries.
Creating boundaries also means giving yourself permission to stop working when your office hours are over. If you’re constantly checking emails after you’ve “clocked out,” you’ll never fully disconnect.
One of the best ways to stay focused is to prioritize. Ask yourself each day: What are my most important tasks? These are the things that will move your business forward the most.
When you know what your MITs are, it becomes easier to stay focused and say no to the things that aren’t priorities.
One of the most effective ways to avoid distractions is to use time blocking. This technique involves setting aside specific blocks of time for different activities.
For example:
During each time block, focus solely on the task at hand. That means no multitasking, no jumping between tabs, and no checking social media.
You can also time block non-work tasks, like family time, meal prep, or exercise. This ensures that both your work and personal life get the attention they deserve.
Let’s be real—working from home with kids around means distractions will happen. But the key is managing them.
You might think that multitasking is a great way to get more done, but it’s actually a productivity killer. When you try to do multiple things at once, you end up spreading your focus too thin.
Instead, focus on one task at a time. If you’re working on a project, commit to that project. If you’re spending time with your family, be present with them. By focusing on one thing at a time, you’ll actually get more done in less time.
One of the best phrases I’ve learned to use is “not right now.” It’s okay to say no or delay something that doesn’t fit into your current priorities.
When opportunities or distractions come your way, ask yourself: Does this fit into my focus right now? If not, then it’s perfectly fine to say, “not right now.” You can revisit it later when the timing is better.
This mindset not only helps you avoid shiny object syndrome, but it also builds your confidence in the decisions you’re making.
You don’t have to go it alone. Working from home can feel isolating, especially when you’re balancing business and family. That’s why it’s important to find support and accountability.
As a work-from-home mom, distractions are inevitable. But with a little planning, prioritization, and focus, you can get a lot done and still be present for your family.
Remember, shiny object syndrome isn’t the real problem—lack of focus is. By setting boundaries, prioritizing your tasks, and embracing the power of “not right now,” you’ll find it easier to stay on track.
So, take a deep breath, create your plan, and go crush it! You’ve got this!
