Stop reloading the dishwasher after someone else has loaded it. Stop picking up the toys your kids need to pick up. And, stop taking on more tasks around the house or at work because you think no one else is going to do it as well.
You are wearing yourself out.
Sure, you might be able to fit more dishes in the dishwasher if you loaded it. But, if someone else already loaded it, then the task is done. Cross it off the list and move on.
In college, I had a roommate who would reclean the bathroom after I did it. Because he didn’t think I did a good enough job. So I stopped cleaning the bathroom. What was the point? I wasn’t wasting my energy doing something that wasn’t respected.
And I wonder if this happens in our own houses. As women, we take on tasks or redo tasks because no one else is going to do it up to our standards.
But how is that serving you or those in your household? What is that teaching your kids?
Of course, your kids aren’t going to put their toys away exactly as you would. But if they’re put away (even if they’re in the wrong boxes), does it matter? Sure, your partner does things differently. He or she is not you. My husband folds towels differently than I do. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong. I occasionally fold them that way now too.
The point of all of this is a mindset shift. Find a way to let go of the way others do things. Let them be a part of the household and help each other get things done.
If it’s important to you that something is done a certain way, explain it to the rest of your family. Help them learn it. Then let go. Or, if it’s really important, do it yourself. But you don’t get to complain when no one else helps.
I’m not saying this is easy. I still struggle with it on occasion. But I’m working on saying to myself, Great, that’s one thing I can cross off my list.
And I move on to the next task.
Let me know what your mindset shifts need to be! What are you working on this week?
Or, connect me on Instagram and share your thoughts on this topic with me!