The Homemaking Bundle got me thinking about strengths and weaknesses.

I love the ebook bundles from Ultimate Bundles.  The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle (in the spring) and the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle (in the fall) are perennial favorites.  One of the great (and amazing) things about them is that every year’s bundle consists of a completely different set of books — and as a result, there’s usually a slightly different focus each year.

This year’s Ultimate Homemaking Bundle did an exceptional job of pointing out that we’re all different.  We all have different strengths and weaknesses, so the way my household runs may not be the way your household runs, which may not be the way your neighbor’s household runs.  That’s okay!

The problem…

But as I mulled this over, it occurred to me that many of us don’t know how to put that knowledge (that we’re all different) to use, practically.  How does that help me know what areas to focus on?  How do I know what resources will be valuable to me, and which are really time-wasters?  So I set to work problem-solving, and this is what I came up with.

The Homemaking Flow Chart

Truth be told, this flow chart should work for anyone, but it was primarily designed for us homemakers/moms.  The idea is to help figure out which areas/tasks are what, so things that aren’t really essential can be dumped, things that have to get done but aren’t enjoyable can be quickly and efficiently gotten out of the way, and the things we really love can receive the bulk of our time and attention.  That’s the way we play to our strengths and passions!

So the first thing we need to know is whether the task is really necessary.  Some things you’ll know right away are “yesses” or “noes.”  Others you might be less sure about, so there are a few quick guidelines provided.  Note that “does the Bible require it?” asks does the Bible require it — not “does someone else’s interpretation of the Bible require it?”!  This is an important distinction we often fail to make, so we enslave ourselves to others’ expectations.  Make sure you are honestly following what you understand God to require, and not man!  (Note: As nearly all of my readers are professing Christians, I’ve assumed this question should be relevant for you.  If you’re reading this and need a more generalized option, let me know and I can make an adapted version.)

If the requirement is coming from someone else — a spouse, a boss, etc. — it might not be absolute.  Depending on what it is, you might be able to discuss/negotiate (especially if it’s something you’re not good at!).

Once you’ve determined that something is essential, you can sort out whether to do it as quickly and efficiently as possible, to get it “over with,” or to really focus on it because it’s an area of strength/passion.

Click here to download the chart as a PDF.